“No matter what you go through or where you come from, just give yourself a wedding. Just do it.”
— Kat Graham
Wedding Party Confessionals
Meet your new wedding planner, the Caribbean. Imagine breathtaking backdrops, soothing steel pan drums, vibrant island florals, and flavors that captivate your tastebuds. Hear yourself saying “I do” at a beach ceremony infused with the warmth and joy of the Caribbean. We have everything you need to make your wedding uniquely your own, let us help you make it unforgettable.
The international designer reflects on her exclusive partnership with the famed New York City wedding dress salon and shares insights on some upcoming trends.
With my couture collection exclusively available at Kleinfeld, I am personally in the store every other month to offer clients a oncein-a-lifetime experience of working one-on-one with a bridal designer to bring their dream dresses to life I could open my own flagship store, but I choose to be at Kleinfeld because Kleinfeld is already the ultimate bridal salon to me
What initially inspired you to partner with Kleinfeld?
Q. A.
Twenty years ago, I came to Kleinfeld with a goal: to make my brand successful in the United States I knew that I had a unique design aesthetic that did not yet exist here, so I began looking for the best and biggest bridal salon to showcase my gowns That was and is Kleinfeld, without a doubt
Today, with a world-renowned bridal salon and a legendary couture designer working together, not even the sky is the limit I like to say that not only are we business partners, we ’ re happily married, celebrating our 20-year anniversary and renewing our vows!
Q. A.
Why consider a styling appointment at Kleinfeld?
Kleinfeld is, by far, the most legendary bridal salon, with the widest selection of designers and gowns available, along with the most professional styling, fitting and alterations teams They’re ready to go above and beyond to make each bride’s experience as memorable as possible (They even offer VIP appointments in luxurious private rooms with champagne and macarons!)
Can you give us a sneak peek of upcoming trends? What about in your own collection?
I think we’ll see a lot of very intricate beadwork on chantilly laces, jacquards, hand-painted fabrics, lots of dimensional flowers, and the continued popularity of a pointed basque waist From my team and manufacturers, I’m definitely seeing a lot of effort put into creating unique materials. I never stop evolving, looking for the most precise way to create the best fit and newest silhouettes and searching for the most exquisite laces and fabrics
Q. What’s your top piece of
wedding dress shopping advice?
Q. A. A.
Make sure to go to a bridal salon that not only offers you a vast selection of dresses, but that will also go the extra mile to make the experience one that you will remember forever and bring your grandchildren to Kleinfeld when it’s their turn to say ‘ yes ’ to the dress!
Shop Pnina Tornai at Kleinfeld
Q.
What does “bridal excellence” mean to Kleinfeld
A. Bridal excellence means perfection on every level We don't just sell dresses-- we make dreams come true With Kleinfeld's perfection in customer service and the Fairy Godmother of Brides in store to cater to our brides personally, we create bridal excellence every day and Pnina?
Looking back, how have you and your creative process Q. evolved over time?
A. My grandmother always used to say that every day is a new lesson. I never stop evolving, looking for the most precise way to create the best fit and newest silhouettes, and I never stop searching the world for the most exquisite laces and fabrics
Q.
Styles, trends, or fads you’ve loved? Any you’d like to
leave in the past or bring back?
A. Every style can be beautiful as long as it makes my brides feel like the most beautiful version of themselves I love a new trend because it's an opportunity to put my own spin on it and create something new, and what I love most about bridal is that anything and everything is possible
How has the bridal fashion Q. landscape changed in the last
A. I plead guilty to changing the bridal landscape! When I first came to Kleinfeld there were no dresses as daring as mine Now, there are so many more possibilities available for brides, and I am blessed that my work has inspired many new designers in the US and around the world. I see it as my calling to constantly innovate and find new ways to make bridal dreams come true. two decades?
Q. do you find inspiration for your designs?
What are the hallmarks of a Pnina Tornai gown? Where
A. Brides always tell me that my gowns are the most beautiful dresses in the world, and of course that is in part due to my 30 years of experience as a couture designer and the effort I put into the fit of my dresses and the choice of the fabrics But the magic that really makes my dresses beyond beautiful is the love that I put into each and every one of them, with all my heart After all, what would you expect from the Fairy Godmother of Brides?
OUR ARTISTS ARE AMONG THE WORLD’S MOST GIFTED TOURING AND STUDIO MUSICIANS. THEY DELIVER UNRIVALED ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES THAT GET PEOPLE DANCING – AND TALKING.
Celebrating Love
FEATURES
20 FIND YOUR NICHE
Four concepts that can play to virtually any theme or vibe
38 ONES TO WATCH
Our annual list of standout pros you need to know.
48 THE EVOLUTION OF CELEBRATIONS
Where weddings have been and where they are headed.
54 NO SOIREE WITHOUT A SUPPLY CHAIN
We break down the impact of tariffs on weddings today.
62 CELEBRATION TRIFECTA
Five amazing destinations to propose, wed or honeymoon.
84 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Reflective jewelry that shines in all lighting.
94 FRIENDS TO FOREVER
The love story and wedding of Kat Graham and Bryant Wood.
ON THE COVER
Photography by Harold Julian; creative direction by Marcus Allen Creative. On Kat: Gown by Jean Paul Gaultier; rings by Chaumet. On Bryant: Anamika Khanna. Hair by Robear Landeros. Photographed on location at Chalet Tournesol, Mountain Center, CA.
Kat Graham in a custom gown by Jean Paul Gaultier, photographed by Harold Julian.
118
Celebrating Love
STYLE & DECOR
26
DYNAMIC DESSERTS
There’s more than cake to consider.
28 THE MAINE EVENT
Twelve engaged influencers share their stories at our New England wedding bootcamp.
TRAVEL
68 BY THE BOOK
Honeymoon destinations inspired by our favorite novels.
FASHION & BEAUTY
72
62
80
PREWEDDING PREP
Four brides reveal their beauty and wellness routines.
82 TAKE TWO
76
BARE NECESSITIES
Curated beauty picks for all your wedding event looks.
76
BEYOND THE DRESS
Your wedding capsule wardrobe, delivered.
Bridal designer Hayley Paige is back with a new collection.
LIFE
104 FINANCIAL COMPATIBILITY
A complete guide to getting on the same page, money-wise.
110 THE RISE OF THE WEDDING MEET-CUTE
A trending way to find romance is just an RSVP away.
114 RED-HOT ROMANCE
A blending of traditions and color.
118
BICOASTAL BEAUTY
A Cali wedding with East Coast vibes.
122
VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS
Intimate “I dos” with Michelin-star service.
126 FINDING LOVE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
A fun and fantastical engagement party. IN THIS
14 ED LETTER
128 WEDDING CONFESSIONALS
Photography by Jens Mortensen; styling by Rebecca Dennett. For fashion credits, turn to page 84.
For me, celebration is about turning moments into memories. I love to honor big milestones, like birthdays, weddings and babies. But I find just as much joy adding a little confetti to an ordinary Tuesday.
This issue is dedicated to celebrating it all—the proposal, booking your DJ, tasting cake, exchanging vows and so much more. Thanks to the evolution of today’s weddings (page 48), how you celebrate is entirely up to you. For our cover stars Kat Graham and Bryant Wood (page 94), it was a wedding two years to the date after a legal ceremony. For Zoe and Dempsey (page 126), it looked like a fairy-tale adjacent engagement party filled with oddities and a fortune-telling machine.
And when it comes to celebrating, no one does it better than wedding pros. These talented individuals turn visions into realities. On page 38, we’ve rounded up 21 pros across disciplines for our annual Ones to Watch list. These florists, cake designers and videographers are changing the industry one celebration at a time.
In November, my husband and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary. When I think back on our wedding, I will always remember dancing (in the rain!) and the family and friends who watched us exchange vows. But of equal significance were the in-the-middle moments that have become just as dear, like choreographing a nontraditional father-daughter dance, receiving a sketch of my dress from Ines Di Santo and sealing our wedding invites. As you plan, remember to celebrate it all—we’re here cheering you on!
— LAUREN KAY, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
to Forever, p. 94
The Evolution of Celebrations, p. 48
Finding Love Down the Rabbit Hole, p. 126
Our first dance is a core wedding memory.
style & decor
Photography by Jens Mortensen | Styling by Elaine Winter
A Caribbean Aisle
Here’s the scene: the sand is soft, the ocean breeze is laced with salt and sunlight, and just steps away, the Caribbean Sea glitters like it’s celebrating too.
Ten years ago, Imani and D’Andre met at a party at Rutgers where sparks flew, but the timing wasn’t right. So they stayed friends, tethered by something invisible and steady. A decade later, that same tie led them to Jamaica — a place that already felt like home, especially for D’Andre, who was born there.
On the shores of Sandals® South Coast, down walk Imani and D’Andre over an aisle of sand perfectly framed by the ocean. They were wrapped in sunlight, surrounded by the people who knew their story best. Imani had dreamed of the perfect wedding since her childhood — soft light, ocean breeze,
florals just so. The Sandals Wedding Team made it all come together.
From mood board to final bloom, every petal was in its place. When D’Andre saw her, he was breathless, and the whole world seemed to pause.
In the Caribbean, stress-free isn’t a bonus: it’s how we do things. Our team handles every detail, from first call to first kiss, with local know-how and island care. You and your guests can just show up and soak it in.
Imani and D’Andre let love lead and it brought them here. Your forever can start in the Caribbean too. All you have to do is say yes.
Find Your Niche
These four concepts will help you plan a wedding all your own.
Story by Hannah Nowack
It seems as though a new microtheme or internet aesthetic comes onto the scene almost daily. With social media contributing to a faster-than-ever cycle of trend evolution with weddings, it feels challenging to find the right way to personalize your day. To combat decision paralysis, we’re taking a look at four of the broad buckets that many popular themes and wedding vibes fall into. These wedding niches are theme-agnostic and can translate well into many scenarios, settings and budgets. Think of them as a loose ethos or even a road map into which you can plug more specific wedding minutiae.
Maximalist Mirrors You don’t need bold colors to pull off an over-the-top wedding. All-white flowers popped against mirrors at this ceremony.
THE MAXIMALIST WEDDING
A wedding where you aren’t just producing an event but a work of art that’s visually stimulating at every turn. These celebrations are great for couples who love window shopping and redecorating their home, or simply have gregarious personalities.
Ready to take your wedding to the absolute max? Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco, co-owners of Estera Events (@EsteraEvents), explain that a maximalist wedding is all about “bold expressions of personality to create an immersive, opulent and unforgettable vibe. This style celebrates abundance, drama and creativity, with no fear of mixing textures, patterns or unexpected design elements.”
THE DINNER PARTY WEDDING
These weddings often feature rich textures, layered decor, unique personal touches and statementmaking elements that create an immersive and unforgettable atmosphere. A maximalist wedding embraces bold details and an abundance of visual interest and is all about more is more – Cathy O’Connell (@COJ_Events)
The Formula Keep “more is more” as your mantra.
You don’t need a bold color palette. You can still achieve maximalism with neutral colors by layering textures.
Prioritize your budget on areas of impact. Maximalism doesn’t have to be everywhere, just in the spots that’ll make an impression.
A wedding focused on creating intimate memories through a cozy environment and shared love of food. As the name suggests, these types of events are perfect for folks whose ideal evening involves entertaining friends at home.
While most dinner party weddings are hosted by foodies, that’s by no means a prerequisite for having this kind of celebration. Do you like bringing together loved ones in an intentional environment for close-knit bonding? That’s the crux of a dinner party wedding; tasty food is simply the cherry on top, if you will. “Dinner party weddings appeal to couples seeking a celebration rooted in connection, mirroring the way they love to host at home,” explains wedding planner Beth Helmstetter (@BethHelmstetter). “These gatherings
allow for deeply personalized experiences, with thoughtful attention to guest details and hospitality, ensuring everyone feels seen and valued. They also offer greater flexibility for creativity in cuisine, design and storytelling, making them a more authentic reflection of the couple’s unique personalities and shared journey.”
Diners and Dives
Dinner party weddings can be casual if you like. Skip the caviar and go all-out with a fete at your local pizza parlor.
The Formula Work with a sommelier to have unique wine pairings for every dinner course.
Instead of having signature cocktails, opt for a mixology bar where guests can creatively order what they want.
Offer a prewedding cooking class if you’re hosting a full weekend of events.
A dinner party wedding blends the warmth and intimacy of a home-inspired gathering with the celebration of a wedding. This style is ideal for couples who value quality time with their guests and want their celebration to feel deeply personal and welcoming— reminiscent of a meal at a favorite restaurant or cherished evening at home.
—Beth Helmstetter
Communing With Nature
An outdoor wedding lends itself nicely to a hyperlocal celebration. Keep decor to a minimum and let nature shine.
THE HYPERLOCAL WEDDING
A wedding focused on being present and creating a sense of place. These types of events are perfect for homebodies and those with an interest in an area’s history.
Hyperlocal weddings are all about forging a bond with the roots of the community where you’re exchanging vows. “Couples planning hyperlocal weddings should prioritize elements that genuinely reflect the essence of their relationship and connection to the community,” advises Christina Padavano of Pinch Me Planning (@PinchMePlanning). Padavano says the first step is to select a venue and vendors with strong ties to (and experience working in) your wedding locale. “Partner with local farms, vineyards, artisans and other local resources to ensure your wedding highlights and supports the unique character of the region,” she says.
The Formula
Think about venues off the beaten path.
Limit your vendor search to pros within 50 miles of your wedding location.
Book a local flower farm as your wedding venue and source its blooms directly.
Invest in a talented planner who specializes in local events. Pare back on decor items that would need to be shipped in from elsewhere.
Every aspect, from the venue to the menu selections, is thoughtfully considered to highlight the area’s offerings and traditions. This concept is also about fostering a sense of community and connection to the location, supporting local purveyors and honoring the landscape’s authentic aesthetic.
— Christina Padavano
Jam-Packed Agenda
Did you love field day as a kid? Bring on the nostalgia with a prewedding activity day that’ll bring out attendees’ inner child.
The Formula
Say good-bye to the standard ceremony, cocktail hour, reception formula and take a road less traveled for your event.
Consider an unusual venue, like a boat or ski resort, to get guests excited.
Prioritize your spending on activities (like a prewedding yoga class or an after-party) and scale back where possible on decor expenses.
Have on-site calligraphy or a live sketch artist making wedding-favor art in real time.
THE EXPERIENTIAL WEDDING
A wedding focused on curating elevated hospitality to enhance guest enjoyment. This type of celebration is perfect for couples who’ve bonded over meaningful vacations and who love living in the moment.
Planning an experiential wedding is more akin to planning a vacation than a standard event. With a major focus on the “how” in addition to the “what,” devising an immersive adventure is the name of the game here. Wedding planner Michelle Durpetti (@MDurpettiEvents) describes experiential weddings as personalized, engaging and multi-sensory. She explains that the aim is to create an immersive environment that captivates guests from start to finish. Cat Brown of Cat Lauren Calligraphy (@CatLaurenCalligraphy) adds that there’s a focus on “creating intentional moments where guests become active participants rather than passive attendees. This immersive approach is done through curated experiences, meaningful vendor interactions and thoughtfully planned activities during the event.”
Quality over quantity is the golden rule when it comes to experiential elements. Couples don’t need to plan a full wedding weekend to create an immersive guest experience. Even one thoughtfully executed activity can significantly enhance the celebration.
— Cat Brown, Cat Lauren Calligraphy
Dynamic Desserts
LET THEM EAT...WHATEVER THEY WANT! WHILE CAKE IS COMMONLY SERVED AS A WEDDING DESSERT, WE LOVE THE IDEA OF MIXING THINGS UP WITH A UNIQUE TREAT.
Story by Hannah Nowack
1. Feeling Cheesy
The French are really onto something with their customary post-dinner cheese course. After all, not everyone has a sweet tooth. If you and your partner prefer salty and savory snacks, let guests nibble on a selection of cheeses as the evening progresses. For this Florida wedding, the bride explains: “I prefer cheese over sweets any day of the week, so we had an insanely beautiful cheese wheel ‘cake’ instead of a traditional cake.”
2. Snap, Crackle, Pop
Want to lean into nostalgia?
Harken back to a treat that many folks, myself included, associate with after-school snacks. Even now, when I smell melting butter, my mind immediately travels to the Rice Krispies treats I devoured before homework.
3. If You Feed a Guest a Cookie
Cookie cakes aren’t anything new, but they’re often just one large single-layer cookie. Take the concept to new heights (literally) by layering numerous oversize ones, sandwiched with icing, to form the pyramid shape guests associate with
Your wedding, your way, is advice that should extend to every part of the wedding, menu included. And while I could eat a decadent chocolate cake at every meal and never tire of the sugar rush, I know not everyone’s taste buds agree. Many a nearlywed obsesses over cake (and whether it’s over-baked or handshake-worthy) the way Paul Hollywood does on The Great British Bake Off But if that isn’t you, don’t fret. Non-cake confections can still bring a wow factor. Serving a final course is a nice way to bookend a wedding reception meal, but it can be just about anything. One reason couples enjoy cake is that it can double as statement decor. That’s where these cake alternatives come in. Equal parts stunning and delicious, they deserve your consideration.
wedding desserts. The idea is especially fun if, like this bride, you’re from Pittsburgh, where it’s a tradition for loved ones to fill a table with cookies at weddings. “Going into our wedding, I said that I didn’t care about anything else more than I care about the dessert,” she recalls. “Being from Pennsylvania, I wanted to play off the idea of an elevated Pittsburgh cookie table. I still dream about our cookie cake.”
4. Croquembouche,
S’il Vous Plaît
Croquembouche, pronounced crow-cuhm-boosh, is a French dessert that rose in popularity during the reign of King Louis XIV. It’s made of puffs filled with vanilla pastry cream and held together with caramelized sugar to form a dramatic tower. Fun fact: The dessert’s name is a French portmanteau derived from a phrase meaning “crunch in the mouth.”
5. Hole in One
Follow the lead of one Texas couple who hosted a brunch wedding and served a stack of doughnuts in lieu of a traditional cake.
6. Easy as Pie
While some cake alternatives don’t lend themselves well to toppers, a pie is a fun option if you still want to adorn your dessert with a figurine. This couple placed miniature Adirondack chairs on their pie as a topper. And since the wedding took place in Florida, they appropriately opted for Key lime flavor.
7. Majestic Madeleines
A croquembouche isn’t your only option if you want to bring some French flair into your wedding. Take a page from this Philly wedding and serve madeleines. Or lean into a more-is-more mentality and offer both. “We didn’t have a cake, but we had a madeleine tower. We also had a croquembouche, cheesecake pops and an array of homemade Algerian desserts,” the bride says.
Additional Reporting by Chapelle Johnson and Cathryn Haight
DESTINATION: THE KNOT
The Maine Event
Meet the 12 influencers who attended Destination: The Knot, our seventh annual immersive wedding planning retreat.
Story
by Sarah Hanlon | Photography by Kir Tuben
Meet the Vendors
In August 2025, on the cusp of peak wedding season— the magical time of year from September to November when the majority of weddings take place—we invited 12 influencers and their guests to join Destination: The Knot. This year’s event took place in Kennebunkport, Maine, where nostalgic summer camp vibes at Hidden Pond set the scene for a fourday wedding “bootcamp.” Throughout the week, our attendees were immersed in workshops, master classes and interactive experiences designed to educate and inspire them during their planning journeys. Meet our crew of influencers and get a glimpse at the creative, authentic and incredibly personalized weddings they’re dreaming up…and let their nuptials inspire yours.
Host Venue: Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME Photographer: Kir Tuben
Events Videographer: Jordan Jeanty Studios Hair and Makeup: LeJeune Artistry DJ: Aull That Entertainment Cakes: Big Fish Cake Studio Lobster Tour: Rugosa Lobster Tours
Meet the Infuencers
Kenna and Derek
LIKE + FOLLOW: @Ken_Kenn
When Kenna Kersevan moved across the US to a new city, she did what many other single transplants would do: Shedownloaded a dating app. “I’m a California girl. I moved to the Carolinas for grad school, and when I was there, I figured I might as well try to find my Southern gentleman,” she says. Kersevan was drawn to one of Derek Bland’s Hinge prompts that said he needed help making his home less “frat boy.” Their love story unfolded from there. “Now that we have our own house together, I always remind him that he wanted this,” she says.
The process of transforming their coastal home in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live, has inadvertently inspired their fall 2026 wedding. “We want everything to feel homey and comfortable,” Kersevan says. She
calls their vision “a family reunion vibe, but upscale.” That’s why they’re toying with two settings: a domestic celebration close to home or a celebration in a villa abroad. “We want to bring out the natural beauty of the venue itself,” Bland says.
Regardless of where in the world they decide to get married, they intend to host their loved ones for a weekend-long experience that immerses them in the city of their choice. “We want people to be relaxed and make it feel like a vacation, rather than a wedding,” Bland says. They’re already envisioning activities like boat charters and a pool day that allow them to maximize quality time with their guests. “We really just want to lean into enjoying the time with our closest friends and family,” Kersevan says. “We want them to truly have the time of their lives with us.”
Chiara and Bilaal
LIKE + FOLLOW: @Baldiechi
Bumble brought Chiara DeSantis and Bilaal Bhadelia together in April 2021, but the California natives suspect they’d long been orbiting each other’s paths. “Orange County is like a bubble,” DeSantis says. “So we ended up having a lot of mutual friends. He lived not far from where I was living. It was crazy.”
With their sights set on a December 2026 wedding, the to-be-weds are planning an event that breaks the status quo. “A lot of people from California will do a summer or spring beach wedding, and we’re trying to do the exact opposite,” she says. To them, that means hosting their “eclectic” nuptials in the middle of winter.
The most important element of their big day is that it feel like an extension of their home. To do so, they’ve been thrifting everything from attire to glassware to curate an aesthetic that’s quirky, vintage and undeniably them. “Our wedding needs to be heavy on personality,” she says.
One way they’ll do that is by incorporating their dogs, Moose and Mambo, through signature cocktails and custom signage. “They’re not going to be at the wedding, because that would be chaos, but we need to incorporate them in some way,”DeSantis says. “Our home is nothing without the dogs.” Another must-have? In-N-Out burgers as a latenight snack, which is a special nod to their many almost-encounters. “Before we knew each other, we went to the same In-N-Out,” DeSantis says. “That’s definitely a nonnegotiable.”
Eli and Sophie
their weddings, they’ve bonded over a shared desire to plan experiences that’ll wow their VIPs. “We want everyone to have fun,” says Rallo. Another thing they have in common is that their moms have each helped them make key decisions throughout their planning journeys. Rallo notes that their moms know what they want, and they’re making it happen. “It’s really nice that we both have fabulous mothers who are taking the lead for us,” Rallo says.
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@Eli.Rallo
Although Eli Rallo’s fiancé wasn’t able to join her on Destination: The Knot, she attended with
another important person: one of her closest friends, Sophie Rader, who’s also engaged. It was an extra-special opportunity for the bridesto-be, who met in grad school in 2021. While they have different visions for
Iyanna and Alexander
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@Iyanna.Amor
After matching on Hinge in the fall of 2023, Iyanna McNeeley and her now-fiancé, Alexander Lewis, went on a nearly three-hour-long walk along Lake Michigan for their first date. They made it official just over a month later. Their December 2024 engagement took McNeeley by complete surprise. “I do not remember anything he said,” she recalls. “And I didn’t think I would cry, but I was tearing up pretty good.”
While they had their sights set on a 2025 wedding, a change of heart led them to uproot their vision. “We had
The engaged besties have also served as a sounding board for each other when it comes to selecting the right vendors. Case in point: They hired the same band, which Rallo says was an
original wedding plans, and they just didn’t really feel aligned with what I really wanted,” McNeeley explains. “So we completely scrapped it somewhat recently, and now we’re starting over.”
It turned out to be the right decision. Now they’re dreaming up a January 2026 celebration they describe as a “classic, vintage and historic Chicago wedding.” The most important task for the bride was finding the perfect venue to match her attire. “I have a very specific dress, so I want a historic Chicago building that fits the vibes,” she explains. “I think that’ll really set the intention.”
Lewis’ one wedding necessity is ensuring that his wife-to-be sees her dream
essential part of her pro team. “I went to a wedding with this particular band, and it was the best band I’ve ever seen in my life,” she recalls. Even though she didn’t have a venue secured at the time, she called them the next day to reserve the entertainers for her date. Not long after, when Rallo and Rader were on a girls’ trip together, Rader’s planner recommended the exact same group. Rallo insisted she book them. “It’s so fun that we get to watch our own band at each other’s weddings. I’m pumped,” she says. And while their reception playlists may not have the same exact vibe, there is one artist who will be a must-play at both: “Chappell Roan,” they chant in unison.
vision come to life, but he notes that having a great reception is essential too.
“We want to really build out a fun after-party event for folks to let loose in Chicago,” he says, naming good music and a good ambiance as key to an unforgettable evening.
Hayden and Aaron
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@Hayderz
Sparks *and* darts flew at the birthday party where Hayden Cohen and Aaron Niles met in April 2022. “Who would have thought, me and you in a dart club?” Cohen says to his fiancé. “He asked to buy me a drink, and the rest is history. We’ve been together ever since.” The Boston residents dated for just over three years before Niles popped the question with the help of Cohen’s mother. “I had to do everything in a very short amount of time,” Niles says of the proposal, which was followed by a surprise party with their loved ones. “I said I could do it later in the summer and his mom was like, ‘No, we’re doing it next week.’”
Niles pulled off the engagement over Memorial Day weekend. “We took our dog on a walk, and he proposed then,” Cohen says. “It was incredible. He did such a good job.”
With their September 2026 wedding on the horizon, the fiancés are planning an “elevated coastal garden party” in Newport, Rhode Island. While they originally considered some of the region’s famed historic mansions as potential venues, a smaller, private home fit the bill. “The vibe there is just perfect,” Cohen says. “It’s coastal. It’s cozy. It just felt like us. There’s an informal nature to it where it feels like you’re doing it at your own house.”
Madeline and Eli
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@TheMadelineMay
Madeline Johnson and Eli Eprem had beenoneachother’s radars since they were in 10th grade. Although they didn’t go to the same school, they were introduced by a mutual friend. They reconnected in 2020 and shared their first date on March 17. The pandemic accelerated their relationship: They moved in together three months later. Eprem proposed in November 2024. From the start, the fiancés knew they wanted two weddings: one in their backyard and one in Italy. Since they bonded over a shared love of food, great cuisine is essential for the dinner party they plan to host before the destination wedding.
Considering they’ve been renovating their outdoor space— and the fact that they wanted to do the catering their way— they decided it was the perfect place to bring their friends and family together for a traditional Persian meal, a nod to Johnson’s heritage, before jetting off to Europe to tie the knot. “I want to go for French or English countryside garden vibes with white flowers and lavender roses,” Johnson says of her vision. In fact, Eprem says that they planted flowers in their garden so they will be in full bloom on their wedding day. Someone told them that when the flowers bloom each year, they’ll be reminded of their big day. “We’ll look back at that love that we built and what it’s created.”
After their wedding prelude, the couple plans to use their lodging abroad as a home away from home for the international festivities—and as a place to experiment with authentic Italian cooking. “I really want to get an Airbnb that has a kitchen and go to the farmer’s market and just cook fresh food the whole time,” Johnson says.
They say the ability to completely tailor the event space is exactly what they needed in order to bring their vision to life. “We can really put our touch on every single thing, because it’s a blank slate,” Cohen adds. “It’s a bit of a daunting task, but it’s very fun…I’m just excited to have ourselves a little party.”
Logan and Joey
LIKE +
FOLLOW:
@LoganRae_Hill
When it comes to romantic tropes, Logan Rae Hill and Joey Kurbanov are the definition of “friends-to-lovers.” Kurbanov joined Hill’s friend group when he moved to Los Angeles from Boston. Their relationship was strictly platonic for the first five years, but when they both found themselves single, Hill ultimately realized she had developed feelings for Kurbanov.
After nearly five years together, Kurbanov proposed. He and Hill immediately knew they wanted to host a destination wedding in Scotland. “His sister went to school out there,” Hill says. “When we visited her for the first time, we just loved it.” The bride-to-be later discovered that her family has Scottish roots, making the setting even more meaningful. The couple booked a castle for their big day, which they envision being “timeless, classic and a little regal.”
“The castle itself is pretty Gothic,” Kurbanov explains. “So it’s kind of moody but still inviting.”
For the Nashville residents, a bustling bar and great entertainment are two essentials for the reception. “I’m biased, but as a musician I’d say a nonnegotiable is proper live music,” Kurbanov says. And while he swears that he won’t get behind the DJ stand himself during the after-party, Hill has a different opinion: “You have to at one point!”
Isabel and Tamera
LIKE + FOLLOW: @IsabelandTamera
Matching on a dating app may seem like the most modern way to fall in love, but what about meeting on Twitter? Such was the case for Tamera Wiemers and Isabel Cirilli, who connected through their mutual love for singer Alessia Cara on the social networking app (now called X) in 2015. “We met in person at a music festival, and then a few months after that, we started dating,” Cirilli recalls. After dating long-distance for three years, they moved in together in New York before settling in Texas, where they currently reside. Cirilli proposed on a “glamping” trip in January 2025. As self-proclaimed introverts, the couple knew right away that they wanted to elope. “We just liked the intimacy of eloping and how intentional it feels to just be the two of us in that mo-
ment,” Wiemers says. Since they say California feels like a second home, their search for a venue led them to Catalina Island, located 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast. The desire for a peaceful wedding underscored the importance of selecting the right destination. “We wanted to elope somewhere beautiful and in nature,”
Wiemers adds. “It just feels very us.”
Once they’re married, the couple intends to celebrate their union by hosting a reception party in their hometown with a select group of guests. “We just want our closest friends and family to have dinner together,” says Wiemers. “It’ll have a very intimate vibe,” adds Cirilli.
Nadya and Issa
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@NadyaOkamoto and @IssaOkamoto
Nadya Okamoto attended Destination: The Knot with a very special wedding party member: her sister Issa, who’s serving as the maid of honor. With less than a year until Okamoto’s June 2026 wedding in upstate New York, she used our interactive mood board sessions to narrow down the vision for her “classy and chic” summer nuptials. “I really thought my wedding taste was going to be less basic, but the flower photos that I gravitated toward were a little bit more plain and white and green,” she says before turning to her sister. “I have decided in this moment that some of my bridesmaids are gonna wear
Morgan and Owen
LIKE + FOLLOW: @Actualized.AF and @IamOwenRogers
After being introduced by a professor while they were students at Penn State University in the late 2000s, Morgan Nixon and Owen Rogers felt a connection…but life had other plans. After they graduated, Nixon moved to South Korea for twoyearsbeforereturning tothe US. “I stayed in the back of her mind for a couple years,” Rogers says. When she returned, they got back in touch and began dating in February 2015. Over the next decade, they juggled a long-distance relationship, a brief stint living in Japan and a grad schoolventure.“Webasically grew up together,” Nixon says. Rogers proposed nearly 10 years to the day they began dating. From the start, they knew they wanted to
sage green, so you gotta get ready for that,” she says. When asked to finish the sentence, “Our ideal wedding guest leaves saying…” she answers, “... that was the most fun!”Musicwill play a large roleon the big day, as one of the moments she’s most excited for is having a choir per-
use their wedding as a way to honor their friends and family members.
“Our guests can look forward to a community-oriented yet regal vibration somewhere in the South,” Nixon teases. “It’s about excellence, elevation and people coming together tocelebrate us. In that celebration,we’recreating the foundation for our future,” Rogers says.
For the bride, the wedding is not only the kick-off to the marriage they’re building together, but a way to look back and thank those who supported them over the last decade. “We’re bringing everyone from every era of our relationship together. It’s the people who’ve been there and helped us stay together.”
form during the ceremony. Her must-play song for the reception is ABBA’s timeless classic “Super Trouper.” To round out the weekend, Okamoto has tasked her MOH with hosting the farewell brunch. If the mood board is any
Samantha and Tag
LIKE + FOLLOW:
@Samantha_Dahn and @Tag.Williams
Kismet is the best way to describe Samantha Dahn and Tag Williams’ meet-cute. The dancers first crossed paths at a mutual friend’s birthday party in May 2019. “We figured out we had the same birthday, which happened to be two days later,” Dahn recalls. That week, Williams slid into her DMs to ask her to hang out, and she happily obliged. They dated for five years beforeWilliams popped the question with a complex scavenger hunt that began in Los Angeles and ended in Minnesota, where she found him waiting on one knee. He says being apart until the very last moment was the only way he knew he could truly surprise Dahn. “She knows me,” he says. “She was going to be like, ‘Hey, you’re breathing differently.What’s going on?’” As they began planning their October 2025 nuptials, the fiancés quickly found that the wedding journey deepened their connection as a couple. “It’s a good growing experience to get
ready for being married,” Williams says of navigating planning topics like finances and family dynamics. “You’ve got to be a team and come together and agree to work it out. It’s a warm-up for the rest of our lives.”
Working as a team is some thing they’ve mastered both on and off the dance floor. When searching for the per fect California wedding ven ue, they agreed that the most important quality was finding a space that embraced the region’s natural beauty. “We love to be outdoors,” Dahn says. “We toyed with the idea of a beach or mountains. We just wanted to be outside in nature. That was our one nonnegotiable.”
They found that in a winery nestled in mountains along Lake Tahoe.While the pair will undoubtedly dance the night away under the stars, they also look forward to treating their guests to a few delight ful sweets, like a s’mores and hot cocoa bar. “It’ll definitely be outdoorsy and cozy,” Dahn says. “We’ll have bonfires and twinkle lights.”
Sabrina and Lexi
LIKE + FOLLOW: @LexiandSab
Not long after Sabrina Smith and Lexi Mercer matched on Hinge in 2021, they shared their first date at a dog park. (Smith brought her family dog, while Mercer brought her own pup.) “We literally have been inseparable ever since,” Mercer recalls. “We never skipped a beat.” The Raleigh, North Carolina, dwellers dated for four years before Mercer proposed during a beach picnic in April 2025. Calling themselves “coastal girls,” it only made sense to plan a wedding with seaside influence. “We’re always at the beach,” Mercer says. “It ties into our personalities and aesthetics.”
As they began planning their 2026 destination wedding, they kept thinking about Italy, their first international trip together. “We absolutely fell in love with it,” Smith says. “It also elevated our relationship a lot. We really enjoyed traveling together, and it made us a lot closer. So we always came back to Italy.” Giving their friends and family an unforgettable time on the Amalfi Coast is the couple’s top priority. “We want it to be an experience,”Mercer says. “We want everyone to have fun and vibe,” says Smith.
With an emphasis on aesthetics, the to-be-weds plan on transforming their venue with suspended flowers in the same hues as the colorful buildings along the Positanocoastline. Fresh blooms aside, there isoneother vendor that they say is an absolute must-have: “A great band that allows me to use the mic,” Smith says. “I’m a
planning
Photography by Jens Mortensen | Styling by Elaine Winter
IT’S HERE: OUR ANNUAL EDITOR-CURATED LIST OF UP-AND-COMERS MAKING WAVES IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY.
By Cathryn Haight
As wedding editors, we see it all: the movement of trend cycles, the shifting priorities of couples and—especially—the emerging vendors that are truly the future of weddings. Now in its third year, The Knot Ones to Watch is our way to illuminate a handful of these standout wedding pros from across the US, celebrating the talents they bring to the table. This cohort of honorees approaches
their work with an artist’s eye, a compassionate heart and a strong set of values. And despite their status as relative newcomers to the industry, each is a true wedding professional, with a cutting-edge vision and a firm handle on their craft. We can’t wait for you to meet them. Without further ado, we now pronounce these 21 dazzling wedding pros The Knot Ones to Watch.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Given the thousands of wonderful wedding professionals across the country, you might wonder how we landed on these standout businesses. Each year, we follow specific parameters to guide our search for rising talent across all categories. The Knot Ones to Watch honorees must:
Own a weddingindustry business that’s under eight years old
Approach their field with a cutting-edge and creative mindset
Pass a round of vetting by a 12-person committee made up of nine folks from The Knot and three esteemed industry experts
Receive a positive reference from industry peers and colleagues
Be well respected and aligned with the editorial policy (and core values) of The Knot
The Innovator
/I-NƏ-VĀ-TƏR/ • N.
1. a trendsetter and tastemaker thinking outside of the wedding box
2. a visionary who pushes design forward through creativity
3. a trailblazer with insight into trends
Absūna Maddi Haley, owner & creative director @Absuna__
Based in: Rhode Island Expertise: Florals
Founded: 2021 Fun fact: Haley has never used roses in a flower arrangement.
Haley is a master at “the art of noticing,” finding inspiration for her florals everywhere from architecture to the way light
BY THE NUMBERS
While 21 is our magic number of honorees, there are numerous numerals that led us to this final figure. Below, see a few of the digits that helped our team reach it.
12+ months of work
249 reference-gathering emails sent
62 names brought to the table
7 total rounds of internal reviews
1 editorial team that’s thrilled to honor these wedding pros
hits a puddle. The result: botanical compositions that are artistic, expressive, unconventional and wholly original. No two are alike, but all balance refinement with an avantgarde sensibility. They’re living sculptures.
“Two big design influences for me are shape and movement, so I’m especially fascinated by the unruliness of how things naturally grow, whether in a garden or
an untamed meadow,” she says. “There’s always something to be learned in nature.” Her design process relies on artistic intuition coupled with the current season and surroundings. Sustainability also guides her practice. She skips the floral foam, relies on reusable mechanics as the base for all designs and prioritizes sourcing blooms from local growers, among other tactics.
Love note: “Maddi and her team are kind, professional andcreate stunning floral arrangements that transform the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception into magical spaces. Their designs are playful and inspired, with a conceptual take on wedding florals that maintain an elevated andorganic feel.” –@CourtneyLeeWeddings
Based in: New York Expertise: Wedding cakes Founded: 2021
Fun fact: One of her first cakes was ordered for Harry Styles when he performed in New York City.
Gutierrez says she’s inspired by all things ornate and vintage, like traditional tattoos and Victorian architecture, and these muses are totally evident in the baker’s exceptional wedding cakes. Each has intricate trappings that rival a late-1800s estate. “When I discovered vintagestyle cakes, I was obsessed; they felt like edible antiques,” she says. “My cakes are bold statements full
of character, and they push couples to think of their wedding cake not just as dessert but as part of the overall aesthetic of their event.”
Instead of leaning into trends, Gutierrez is fully focused on a highly romantic, nostalgic style that draws from vintage piping traditions, and her care and intentionality comes through. To boot, she’s managed to start her own business and establish herself as a pioneer in the vintage/ Lambeth cake design style without formal pastry school training.
Love note: “Blair is so easy and lovely to work with. Her work is absolutely stunning and unique. She also has an incredibly delicious product, not just a beautiful one. She’s a pioneer in this market of vintage cakes and stays true to them.” –@RachelBeharEvents
Hi Def Event Group
Andrew Choung (DJ Afex), owner & DJ
@HiDefGroup
Based in: California
Expertise: DJ & production services
Founded: 2018
Fun fact: The name of Choung’s business nods to hip-hop and its subcultures, as “def” means “excellent” in the genre’s vernacular.
As DJ Aflex, Choung isn’t just playing popular tracks to get your guests on the dance floor— he’s curating a personalized set list that goes far beyond the Top 40. He gets deep with couples to truly understand their style and story, and uses those details to select songs (while weaving in niche music meaningful to the lovebirds) and set the pace
Jess McDole Weddings
Jess McDole, owner @JessMcDolePhoto
Based in: Kentucky Expertise: Analog photography
Founded: 2019
Fun fact: She’s an avid skateboarder.
We’re used to thinking of innovation in terms of tech developments, but McDole is making waves in the world of wedding photography by going back to basics. She photographs her couples solely on analog film formats and also scans her own film, so every shot is intentional and genuine.
“I really think it’s important to give clients a tailored experience and a gallery that reflects the naturally occurring moments of their individual day,” she says. “It’s important to not force images that weren’t there, to not edit their film to look exactly the same as another gallery of mine, because light and circumstances are ever-changing. That shouldn’t be innovative, but I think we’re in a time where it is.”
Her process results in nostalgic imagery that’s intended to be an heirloom. “I hope my legacy would simply be in the photographs and experience I’ve created for people on their wedding days,” she says. “That their future generations will have a piece of their family history to look back on, even if in 100 years noone knows that I was the photographer. The legacy isn’t me but the images.”
Love note: “Jess is amazing…great energy on the wedding weekend, a unique eye for detail and passionate. We’ve always had a great experience with her. I think her style bridges the timeless yet artsy gap.” –@Wild_Heart_Events
of the evening, down to the most minute musical cue.
“At my core, I love exploring sounds across genres and cultures,” says Choung. “Subcultures are thriving, and I love drawing inspiration from them to create something fresh and meaningful.”
He’s also passionate about offering opportunities to emerging talent to strengthen the industry and keep it current and innovative. “Between couples and their guests, we curate moments that spark emotion and interaction, whether it’s a perfectly timed song, a shared dance-floor moment or a unique transition that brings everyone together.”
Love note: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Andrew for the past seven years, and he’s always showing up, always delivering and always staying a step ahead of the curve. His consistency and reliability are admirable,
Jason’s Film Lab
Jason Lum, owner
@JasonsFilmLab
Based in: Utah
Expertise: Videography
Founded: 2024
Fun fact: He’s motivated by donating a portion of his revenue to local charities, like the Humane Society and Nuzzles and Co. (where he adopted his cat).
but it’s his ability to evolve and stay fresh over the years that sets him apart. The fact that so many of us in the wedding industry trust him with our own weddings says everything.” –
@NowNForeverLove
Lum says he’s a wedding videographer, but we’d argue he’s a full-blown wedding filmmaker. The cameraman holds his work to the same level of polish and vision as he would a feature film. He studies different techniques and tools as well as the anatomy of his own favorite movies to shape wedding mementos worthy of the silver screen.
“I truly believe that it’s possible to make a wedding video that rivals the quality and emotional impact of a movie you see in the theater,” says Lum, who adeptly emulates the look of 35mm and Super 8mm films without the higher cost of the real thing. “This is a mindset that might sound a little bit crazy, because how can a one-man team create something to that level? But it’s a goal that I’mconstantlychasing.”
No matter how popular he becomes, he’ll always craft every movie himself from start to finish. “In today’s world, there are so many businesses trying to
find ways to automate everything to maximize scaling, but they sacrifice creativity, passion and human connection by doing so,” he says. And as if his artistic digital rendering of a wedding isn’t enough, Lum also prints custom zines for his couples, filled with still shots from their films as a sweet memento (two copies—one for them and one for him).
Love note: “Jason has mastered the balance between artistry and professionalism. His eye for natural, genuine moments—paired with his ability to blend into the background—makes him an invaluable asset to any wedding. He doesn’t just film an event; he captures emotion, ambiance and those fleeting, candid exchanges that couples treasure most. Jason’s work not only inspires couples through his beautiful, authentic storytelling but also empowers them to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. He creates an experience that’s accessible, genuine and truly tailored to the couple’s vision.” –@WeddingsWithAthena
Lavish Haus Events
Samantha O’Donnell, founder & creative director
@LavishHausEvents
Based in: Pennsylvania
Expertise: Planning
Founded: 2021
Fun fact: Lavish Haus started as a combo interior design and events business.
“The most impactful moments on a wedding day come from intentional design choices, with each detail thoughtfully created to reflect the couple’s unique journey,” says O’Donnell. The planner doesn’t just consider design in an aesthetic sense, but rather in a way that accounts for the special moments and memories of a couple’s love story. She brings an innate
Few & Fahr Studio
Eliza Fahrenholz, designer & owner @Few.and.Fahr
Based in: Texas
Expertise: Stationery design & wedding branding
Founded: 2021
Fun fact: She loves a good spreadsheet to optimize her organization and fuel her brain’s logical side.
curiosity to the process, taking note of special words the couple shared, the location of their first meeting and personal anecdotes to bring their event design to life authentically. Despite this layered, complex approach, she manages to nail every detail and logistic with precision and polish.
“Our innovation lies in our bold presence and design choices,” she says. “We’re not afraid to mix patterns and textures in unexpected ways, while still maintaining a refined and timeless aesthetic. This balance of boldness and elegance is what makes our work stand out.”
Love note: “I’ve collaborated with Samantha on multiple weddings, and she’s consistently an exceptional partner: calm under pressure, prepared and genuinely
With deep roots in graphic design and an agency background, Fahrenholz creates nontraditional print designs for couples with uncommon visions. “I approach designs through the lens of true branding, just like you might find at your favorite local restaurant or boutique hotel,” she says. “I’m inspired by the world of hospitality—restaurants, hotels, cocktail lounges and so on. I love taking in the atmosphere of these spaces and seeing how the design contributes to the effect.” Fahrenholz began her business after noticing a lack of edgy, funky designs that truly push the envelope (pun intended) in the wedding stationery space. She takes risks but also cherishes the responsibility of crafting paper pieces that set the tone for a couple’s celebration. They reliably earn the response, “I’ve never seen something like this before.”
Love note: “Every time we’ve worked with Eliza, she has exceeded all expectations. We are constantly amazed by her designs and the unique creativity that perfectly brands each event, highlighting special nuances in the couple’s love story. Our couples have been completely wowed by their experience with her.”
–@RuetPhoto
collaborative. Samantha has a rare blend of editorial vision and logistical rigor: She creates layered, design-forward environments while protecting a timeline that feels effortless for the couple and the vendor team.”
–@BiancaTangPhotography
Nectar & Vessel
Naomi Azriel, owner & creative director @NectarandVessel
Based in: New Hampshire Expertise: Florals Founded: 2019
Fun fact: A spontaneous move to an organic farm in the Berkshires sparked her flower journey.
Fun fact: Wheeler bought her wedding dress, a spring 2019 Alexander McQueen runway piece, over text message. It was $647, located across the country, final sale and fit perfectly.
“There’s an incredible amountof amazingclothing that already exists in the world,” says Wheeler. “I’m doing my best to unearth some of these hidden gems that are sitting in closets or in storage and help them find their right person.”
Studio Dorothy is named after Wheeler’s fashionable nana and based out of the New York City studio apartment where she lived
in the 1980s. Wheeler has over a decade of experiencein luxurywomenswear and a knack for the vintage market.Sheuseswhatshe’s learned in both fields to curate a collection of vintage and rare recent designers at an average of 70 percent below the retail price; she focuses on natural fibers, such as silk and cotton, and pieces produced in the US or Europe. Whether a client is finding a frock for an engagement shoot or the wedding itself, Wheeler wants them to feel a sense of play and joy while assembling their aspirational trousseau. “I made a business based around the feeling of playing dress-up with my friends, and that’s exactly what it feels like to this day,” she says.
Love note: “I’ve had the pleasure of shooting a few vintage pieces from the Studio Dorothy collection, and I was impressed
Azriel’sdesign processisceremonial and sacred: She lights beeswax candles, plays highvibe music and anoints each vessel with orange-blossom water as a nectar blessing. Then, she takes an intentional pause before filling a container with blossoms. “I view designing flowers for weddings from a ‘templekeeper’perspective,” she says. “I’m truly curating and holding the sacred space for your weddings behind the scenes through the botanical artistry that we create for you.” The first question she asks couples: “What is your desired feeling state?” From there, she’ll create her signature evocative arrangements dispersed within produceheavy tablescapes that evoke a Dutch Master’s painting. (Other florists consistently tap Azriel for her skill with styling
by Lizzie’s eye, both in the items themselves as well as her styling of the looks we photographed. The pieces inhercollectionarebyturns surprising, classic and playful—something for any type of celebration.” –
@SylvietheCamera
fruit with flowers, by the way.)
“By creating one-of-a-kind floral designs for every table and every space at each wedding, we provide an opportunity for people to roam around like they’re at an art show, inherently creating connection and conversation,”she says. To create these designs, Azriel sources 95 percent of her materials from local farms and women-owned businesses, and implements sustainable methods across her practice.
Love note: “Nectar & Vessel is a true visionary in the world of floral. When I saw their work, I was instantly inspired. Naomi created one of my favorite bridal bouquets [I’ve photographed in] my career. My interactions with her team were lovely, and she truly cares about her craft and clients.” –@SarahLordPhoto
The Advocate
/AD-VƏ-KƏT/ • N.
1. a champion for diversity, inclusivity and equality
2. a mission-based powerhouse who unites and amplifies 3. a pro who keeps their values at the heart of what they do
Poppy + Lynn
Amy Lynn, founder & lead wedding planner @Poppy.and.Lynn
Based in: New York
Expertise: Planning
Founded: 2020
Fun fact: Lynn trained for 15 years in vocal performance and acting.
Not only does Poppy + Lynn produce highly personalized celebrations that read equal parts fancy and funky, but every wedding is driven by Lynn’s core beliefs. “I’m incredibly transparent throughout the process and vocal about my values, which leads to deep connections with my clients and fellow vendors,” she says. “I also really take the time to get to know my clients and their values, and find ways to infuse those things into the day. If they prioritize sustainability, for example, I’ll help find vendors that do the same.”
The planner takes care to create an environment that feels inviting and welcoming to all marriers—across sexualities, cultures, body types and more—to take concerns about representation in the wedding industry into her own hands. She ensures her
portfolio highlights couples from diverse demographics and is mindful to source vendors that will fully celebrate and honor each pair of lovebirds.
“Sure, I’d love to be remembered as someone who has a great design eye, is creative and who made exceptionally cool events. But more than that, I want to be known for advocating for love in all forms,” says Lynn.
Love note: “I’m a floral designer and have worked with Amy multiple times throughout her career. And I can say with confidence that she cares about every detail and design, and cares about her couples’ happiness just as much. Amy stands by her principles and values, and it carries over into her work. She’s consistently and authentically herself while doing all she can to show loving hospitality to her couples. Her dedication to inclusion and diversity is honest and true.”–@ALilyAmongThorns_
By Madeline Eleanor
Madeline Eleanor, lead artist & founder
@ByMadelineEleanor
Based in: New York
Expertise: Beauty
Founded: 2021
Fun fact: Her work has appeared in Sephora as the key image for a Bobbi Brown foundation campaign.
Whether it’s for a celebration taking place in her native New York or in a far-flung destination, Eleanor takes care to deliver beauty looks that read natural, fresh and elegant in person, yet look polished in front of a camera. (No doubt thanks to her experience working with celebrities and at Bridal Fashion Week.) Additionally, she’s passionate about making a diverse roster of marriers comfortable in her chair, with deep experience working across different skin tones, textures and hair types.
Just as important as her talents is how her business gives back. “I have volunteered makeup services for organizations in New York that create performance opportunities for children with disabilities, and I’ve donated hair and makeup sessions for family portraits with disadvantaged youth,” she says. “Beyond beauty, I use my platform to advocate for women’s rights and encourage political engagement, because I believe having an active voice matters. For me, artistry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about empowerment and impact.”
Love note: “Madeline has an incredible calm energy that puts everyone at ease in the gettingready suite, and she’s gifted at enhancing natural beauty. I adore working with her, as she’s reliable, genuine and fun to be around, and her work speaks for itself.”–@JaneHandlesWeddings
Minister
Sharnise Sears
Sharnise Sears, wedding officiant & certified marriage educator
@Minister_Sharnise_Sears
Based in: Ohio
Expertise: Officiant work & marriage counseling
Founded: 2017
Fun fact: Her top advice for couples is to shift their perspective from “just the wedding” to “the wedding and the marriage.”
Lady Shuckers
Libby Davis, owner & founder
@LadyShuckers
Based in: Maine
Expertise: Mobile oyster bar & catering
Founded: 2021
Fun fact: Sobriety inspires Davis’ personal and professional life.
While Maine’s local aquaculture and sustainable seafood served as the initial catalysts for Davis to start Lady Shuckers, supporting women, minorities and queer people stands strong at the helm of what the business represents. “We source products from women-owned or womenmanaged oyster farms in Maine and have a women-led staff to
As director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for the Wedding Industry Professionals Association Cleveland, Sears is always on the ground advocating for inclusivity in the wedding world. She lends her expertise to styled shoots, industry events and marketing initiatives to ensure couples from all backgrounds are celebrated. “I believe in collaboration over competition, building relationships with other professionals to strengthen our community and create more opportunities for us all to grow,” she says.
Another important cause that’s close to her heart: honoring her couples’ relationships before, during and long after the aisle. Sears crafts every ceremony she officiates from scratch, taking care to include their history as a couple, their individual personalities and their cultural backgrounds. She extends this tailored approach to her thoughtful premarital education services, which 70 percent of her couples choose to use.
Love note: “Sharnise is one of those rare people who leads with both strength and softness. She’s deeply professional, genuinely kind and has a heart for service that’s felt in everything she does. She advocates for inclusivity in a way that’s never performative. She lives it. Her words and actions consistently reflect authenticity, empathy and true respect for all people. She’s incredibly thoughtful, listens deeply and creates space for every voice at the table.” –@BalsamandBlushPhotography_
create representation and visibility for underrepresented groups in the industry,” says the oyster aficionado. “Having your values tied to your business matters, and it’ll helptheright peoplewho want to work with you to find you, even if your organization is small like ours.”
When not cracking open bivalves for grateful wedding guests, Lady Shuckers does its part in protecting and restoring wild shellfish populations by sourcing strictly farmed oysters, an environmentally gentler alternative to wild ones. Plus, its team is constantly on the ground educating people on the importance of sustainable local food
Lensy Michelle Photography
Lindsey Michelle, owner @LensyMichelle
Based in: New York & Massachusetts
Expertise: Photography
Founded: 2019
Fun fact: She’s a science nerd with degrees in neuroscience and psychology.
systems. As far as a legacy goes, Davis hopes to inspire queer folks who have been through tough times to work hard and follow their passions.
Love note: “We’ve had wonderful experiences working with Libby and the Lady Shuckers team—they bring a welcoming and fun vibe along with heaps of knowledge and a passion for oysters. In addition to being a champion for the shellfish industry in Maine, Lady Shuckers is an inspiration in its constant innovation and creativity. The team leads with integrity and makes sure that everyone feels included in the party.”
–@MissHamills
Michelle’s photography style is warm and wonderfully human— radiating authentic joy like the people before her camera. Ensuring couples are themselves and fully celebrated is at the heart of the shutterbug’s ethos, and she often serves as an encouraging voice of support when pairs consider bucking tradition to better align with their values and priorities. “Even if theseconversations seem tangential to my job as a photographer, they lay a foundation,” she says. Michelle explains that once a couple gets comfortable embracing the personal over the traditional, even in a smaller part of the planning process like an engagement session, it can give them the momentum to extend that ethos to their full celebration.
Michelle is queer, Latina and an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion in the wedding industry, and she makes that stance clear. Her business offers accessible price options with special consideration for queer and non-citizen to-be-weds accelerating their
marriage timeline in response to the political climate. Additionally, she’s had a hand in hosting events benefitting LGBTQ+ marriers and founded the Queer Vendor List, a community organizing initiative to gather vendors interested in facilitating free weddings for queer folx.
Love note: “Her devotion to working with queer and nontraditional couples isn’t just part of her brand; it’s a core value that runs through everything she does. Shebelievesdeeplyincelebrating people exactly as they are, which comes through in every interaction, image and story she tells through her lens. Lindsey is one of the most intentional, impactful and inspiring photographers in the industry right now. She’s not only creating visually arresting work, but actively building a more inclusive, affirming wedding space from the inside out.” –
@SarueEventDesign
House of Bernal
Jennifer Bernal, founder & creative director
@HouseofBernal
Dearly Studio
Jusmine Martin, founder & resident justice of the peace @Dearly.Studio
Based in: Massachusetts Expertise: Wedding venue & officiant work
Founded: 2023
Fun fact: She’s inspired by artists, writers and anyone who prioritizes creativity, care and love.
When Martin was working at a wine bar in 2022, she pitched andranaVegas-inspiredpop-up during Pride where she legally
Based in: New York Expertise: Florals
Founded: 2023
Fun fact: Her daughter and her Dominican roots motivate her.
“As an immigrant founder, I’m intentional about creating an environment where every team and crew member is respected, paid fairly and credited properly,” says Bernal. The florist freely offers her industry intel, from craft tips to pricing logic, championingtransparencyandinclusivityinthe industry. She’s against gatekeeping andfightsforfairpay,openeducation and real mentorship for everyone in the wedding biz.
“Ialsoadvocatepubliclyforproper vendor credits and transparent con-
hitched three happy couples. And she’s continued to elevate and celebrate queer love since opening Dearly, a permanent micro-wedding chapel outside of Boston. “It’s really important to me that my ethos and ethics are clear from the start, especially as it pertains to things like LGBTQ+ rights,”says Martin. She was part of a small teamofweddingvendorsbehind a public party called Queerly Beloved, which married seven queer couples and raised over $4,000 for the Trevor Project, which helps prevent suicide among queer youth. In addition to offering short, sweet and secular (and simple to book) ceremonies that take care to tell a couple’s story, Martin and her company are also deeply woven into the fabric of their neighborhood andlocalcommunity.Theyoften collaboratewiththeothersmall, independent businesses that surround the venue space.
tracts. I use my platforms to spotlight underrepresented pros, so they’re seen and hired for their talent,” says Bernal, who has spoken at various wedding industry conferences and served on professional boards. “For couples, that advocacy looks like a culturally fluent design that honors their traditions with care.”
Love note: “I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with House of Bernal, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. They’re incredibly professional, detail-oriented and truly passionate about creating meaningful, personalized experiences for their clients. What sets them apart in the wedding industry is their ability to blend creativity with seamless execution.” –
@CortiellaPhotography
Love note: “Jusmine deserves every ounce of recognition. She’s built something that isn’t just a venue, but a community space that radiates inclusivity and belonging. Her commitment to supporting all love isn’t performative: It’s real, active and deeplyfelt.She’ssomeonewhose presence elevates everyone around her, and I believe she’s on the cusp of making an even bigger impact in our industry. She has created one of the few outwardly spoken, truly inclusive venues in all of New England, and couples leave not just with a beautiful event but with the affirmation that their love is celebrated wholeheartedly.” –@CastilloHollidayPhotoandFilm
The Connector
/KƏ-NEK-TƏR/ • N.
1. an honoree who demonstrates a commitment to pushing community forward through their work
2. a bridge-builder for couples, fellow vendors or society at large
3. a supportive team player who cares about creating space for all to thrive
Carleton Socials
Caroline Carleton, owner @CarolineCarletonSocials
Based in: New Hampshire
Expertise: Content creation
Founded: 2023
Fun fact: It only took her 24 hours to get her business up and running.
Carleton’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just before her wedding day. Through this difficult time, the content creator learned the importance of preserving memories— notjustthehighlights,butthequieter moments and the connections that make a wedding so special. “I’m not just documenting a day—I’m telling a story that’s built on relationships,” she says. “For my couples, I focus on capturingthecandid,in-betweenmoments that highlight the connection between them and their guests—the inside jokes, the hugs, the laughter on the dance floor. These details preserve not just what happened, but how it felt to be surrounded by love and community.”
Besides honoring the connection between couples and their loved ones, Carleton makes it a
point to work seamlessly with photographers, videographers and other vendors, ensuring her work is the perfect complement to theirs. She’s always exploring new editing and storytelling styles to suit every couple’s love in a timeless way. You can tell by how her content flows (the way each video clip is shot and collaged with others), how comfortable she makes her couples and how aptly she captures their joy. And while she’s acting as a keeper of wedding memories, she’s also putting together a soon-to-come fundraiser in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Love note: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Caroline on multiple events, and she’s consistently a standout professional and a team player—always positive, collaborative and ready to support fellow vendors. She has an uplifting energy and brings a sense of calm and joy to every event. She stands out in the wedding industry not only for her talent and attention to detail, but also for her professionalism and ability to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.”
–@AshleyLynnWeddingsEvents
Molly in the Sky
Natalia Kovolis, creative director @Molly.in.the.Sky
Based in: Florida
Expertise: Florals
Founded: 2018
Fun fact: In what she calls her “señora” era, she’s working on her baking skills (she makes a mean cinnamon roll).
Kovolis’ special connection with her late sister, Molly, is what inspired her to go into florals full time. Her business serves as a tribute to her younger sibling and a reminder that beautiful thingsdon’t need tolast forever tobemeaningful. Her designs have soul, and you can feel the care behind each of them, likely because of the big heart of the florist herself.
“We aim to give our designs emotional resonance, to create concepts and visions rooted in the couple’s story and the way they want themselves and their guests to feel,” she says.
Nikki Baker Photography
Connection shapes how Kovolis moves through the wedding industry: from driving four hours to source a specific flower a couple adores to always being open and willing to share tips with other florists. “I extend a hand to other vendors who may feel lost and full of questions, like I once did,” she says. “I love creating with others. It fuels and inspires me.”
Love note: “Working with Natalia has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Her attention to detail, deep empathy for her clients and commitment to pushing creative boundaries make her stand out in an industry full of talent. She’s one of those rare artists who intuitively understands the emotional language of flowers and channels that into breathtaking, meaningful work. She centers the couples’ stories in her designs and listens attentively to their unique vision. That client-first ethos fosters trust and connection.” –
Based in: Arizona Expertise: Documentary & editorial photography
Founded: 2018
Fun fact: Baker’s work went viral when one of her couples made a TikTok about their wonderful experience with her.
“People have weddings for a lot of different reasons—to be together, to be with their closest friends and family who have
Cóllectives By
Diana
Diana Lin, founder & creative director @CollectivesbyDiana
Based in: New York Expertise: Planning
Founded: 2019
Fun fact: Lin began planning events alongside her nowhusband during their dating years, and it was planning their own wedding that inspired her to transition from interior design into the wedding industry.
Lin is a luxury wedding planner. And according to her, luxury is about thoughtfulness, emotion and intentional design— not flashorexcess. Every element she selects for a couple’s celebration is thoughtfully curated, reflecting their roots
and relationship. While she’s often inspired by fashion, travel and architecture, Lin is most motivated by connecting with people—their stories, their traditions. “Connection is at the heart of everything I do,” she says. “Many of my clients become lifelong friends. I love getting to know them so I can bring their stories to life in a way that truly reflects who they are. I’m equally proud of the collaborations with peers and vendors.” Helping couples weave their cultural backgrounds into their nuptials is also a priority. She continuously
supported their love,” says Baker, a mostly selftaught photographer. “A big part of my job is being able to read a room and support mycouples in theways they want (and inothers theydon’teven know they need). Being able to document human connection in general is my job, and I try to make sure I get all of those moments that will matter to the couple years and years down the line.”
Baker’s couples usually say that what they enjoy most about working with her is how she makes them feel, plus how their authentic relationship shines through her images. Her connection with her subjects stays strong
builds a diverse network of BIPOC-owned businesses, encouraging couples to work with vendors who align with their values—whether that’s inclusivity, sustainability or cultural representation.
“I hope to create weddings that feel authentic, inclusive and deeply meaningful, and to be remembered as someone who elevated the experience for couples while shaping a more welcoming, representative industry,” she says.
Love note: “Working with Diana Lin has been one of the most refreshing collaborations I’ve had in this industry. She brings a clear creative vision to every project, but what really sets her apart is how precise and intentional she is. Diana takes time to understand each couple on a personal level: who they are, what matters to them and how they want their day to feel. Her events always feel authentic and inclusive, never cookie-cutter. She’s especially sensitive to cultural traditions and modern family dynamics, and she approaches every event with care and respect.”
–@Unique_Lapin
Films By Em
Emily Brown, owner @Films_by_Em
Based in: New York
Expertise: Videography
Founded: 2019
Fun fact: Beans are very special to her—genuinely!
Watching one of Brown’s wedding movies feels like you’re there in real time and among friends. She catches the silly side conversations, awkward moments and dance-floor karaoke sessions that some might overlook (or overlay with emotional music). Basically, people being themselves. “I view weddings in a simpler way than most: To me, weddings are an opportunity to understand people and capture connection,” she says. “I think social media and societal pressures have really complicated weddings, and take us further from what’s important. I capture people existing as they are, and it happens to be on their wedding day.”
Connection is everything in Brown’s work. “It’s more valuable to have a conversation with a guest than to get a nicely composed shot,” she says. “There are so many talented artists in the industry—every possible idea has been invented at this point—so all we can do is tap into who we are and share it in an authentic, honest and vulnerable way.”
Love note: “Emily takes a true documentary approach. She fully allows couples to be themselves without interrupting or manufacturing moments. This approach makes her films feel incredibly intimate and honest. You can tell she honors the energy of each couple and never follows a formula. Her films are true time capsules and feel so raw and real to each couple’s personality.” –@GeorgieMorleyPhotography
long after the wedding day. Many reach out to her again to photograph other significant life events. Additionally, Baker cultivates connection through Under the Sun Creative Club, an organization she founded where photographers come together to share tips and build community.
Love note: “Nikki Baker doesn’t just capture a love story; she gets candid, subtle moments. Her level of professionalism, luxury client experience and artistry is in a category of its own. Nikki is a joy to work with as a fellow wedding professional and to every couple.” –@BridalArtistry.Collective
The
E V O L U T I O N of Celebrations
Weddings have changed over the years—for the better. And the best is yet to come.
By Lauren Kay | Illustration by Jordan Kay
The 1990s may be having a bit of a moment where fashion is concerned, but today’s weddings are a far cry from those that took place decades ago. Church vows followed by a predictable ballroom reception, complete with a formulaic three-course menu and a DJ playing top hits are (thankfully) a distant memory. Cue the confetti! The future of weddings is bright—full of personalization, unique experiences and clever tech.
Gone are the days of two wedding colors determining the bridesmaid dresses and entire reception decor. Now, themes that capture the essence of the to-be-weds an-
chor the entire wedding. One-day celebrations have been extended to multiday affairs, sometimes in far-flung destinations. Posed photos and disposable cameras have been traded for candid shots, videography and drone photography (okay, maybe a few disposable cameras have nostalgically stuck around). The guest experience is at the heart of “I dos.” Couples are prioritizing their guests’ enjoyment with surprise-and-delight moments, inventive cuisine and interactive elements. We’ve rounded up five hallmarks of weddings today and five trends we bet will grow in popularity in the years to come.
74%
believe that celebrating life’s moments, big or small, is important. 1
Nearly
80% of couples surveyed in the US said their wedding must reflect their unique relationship. 2
Since its inception in 1996, The Knot has inspired 25 million+ couples to plan a wedding that’s authentic to them.
Gen Z couples are leading shifts across the globe. In the US, 1 in 3 couples using The Knot are members of Gen Z, and they host larger weddings, on average, than previous generations. 2
$$$$$$$$ $$
Couples remain deeply committed to celebrations, with nearly 8 in 10 saying their wedding is well worth the financial investment. 2
1 From The Knot Celebration Study*
2 From The Knot Global Wedding Report**
The Timeline
The Wedding Timeline Now
The evolution of wedding traditions has been a slow burn, with adoption of trends happening over time. The advent of tech promises to pick up the pace. Here are the milestone moments that have had the biggest impact on weddings.
It’s Personal
Perhaps the biggest shift in weddings is the rise in hyper-personalized affairs. Your wedding day is a unique opportunity to show guests who you are as a couple. From big details like the venue to small stuff like wedding favors, today’s couples are committed to making their celebrations their own. From adding cultural traditions to the ceremony or infusing your shared hobbies into centerpieces, there’s no shortage of ways to let your personalities shine. Even small nods to your love story (think: a bee icon to represent your meet-cute on Bumble) help set your celebration apart. Remember, there is no right way to personalize a celebration.
Experiential Elements
Guests’ enjoyment is at the heart of weddings. Couples are obsessed with showing their loved ones a good time, from delicious meals to moments that surprise and delight. Live music has been joined by more niche entertainment—like sketch artists, illusionists, acrobats and tarot card readers—for a truly unforgettable experience. Meals are becoming more memorable too, with flair bartenders, table-side preparation and dessert carts. Small tweaks to the timeline are a no-cost way to make things yours (think: cocktail hour before the ceremony, making the first dance the last dance) and keep guests guessing.
Cultural Fusion
Today’s weddings are, in a word, authentic. Tobe-weds are choosing to infuse their celebrations with meaningful nods to their distinct heritages and cultures. From traditional rituals to wedding attire, it has become common to weave
2000 BC: wearing wedding bands on the left-hand ring finger was born. It was linked to the belief in the vein of love.
The tradit bands the left-hand ring finger was
500 BC: Brides gathered herbs like rosemary and thyme in a bouquet to ward off evil on their big day.
herbs like rosemary and in a to ward off evil on their day
customs into ceremonies and receptions. Many couples also use these moments to honor elders or loved ones who have supported their relationship along the way. A more modern approach is a fusion of sorts, honoring a tradition in a new way. Cuisine is a great place to infuse cultural details, while music selections and special dances are other popular ways to honor your heritage.
Evolving Norms
The pandemic forced many couples to deviate from expected wedding traditions due to safety or government regulations. The upside of it all? Creativity abounded, and now to-be-weds feel more empowered than ever to do things their way. Forgoing a wedding party, getting ready together, skipping a father-daughter dance or rocking a bold hue down the aisle are a few of the many wonderful shifts we’ve witnessed in recent years. Couples can pick and choose what feels right to them and lean in or adapt a tradition to better suit them, like saying vows privately before the ceremony even starts.
A Sustainable Future
It’s hard to ignore the environmental impact of weddings. Many couples are making conscious choices to reduce it, like eliminating disposable decorations, donating flowers after the wedding and offsetting carbon emissions accrued from travel, especially for destination weddings. Gen Z is leading the charge toward more sustainable weddings, partnering with pros who share their values. Caterers are offering a variety of options that minimize food waste while florists are working with local farms to minimize environmental impact. The result? Eco-friendly celebrations that don’t sacrifice style.
18th Century: Wedding cakes evolved from savory pastries with items tucked inside, called Bride’s Pie, into sweet confections like fruitcakes covered in icing.
The AI Prompts You Didn’t Know You Needed
TYPE THESE INTO CHATGPT AND CROSS A FEW MORE TO-DOS OFF YOUR WEDDING CHECKLIST.
Can’t decide on a color palette for your celebration?
Suggest a wedding color palette for a [season] wedding. I want the vibe to be [romantic, intimate, dramatic] and for the atmosphere to feel [relaxed, elegant, lively].
Need a wedding website URL or wedding hashtag?
Brainstorm 10 fun [website URLs/hashtags] for our wedding. Our names are [partner 1] and [partner 2], we got engaged [at a concert, in the garden] and love [our dog Ted, anime, hiking].
Seeking a first-dance song?
Suggest 5 romantic [country, pop, R&B] songs about [finding true love, overcoming challenges]. I like the style of [artist] and [artist] and want a [upbeat tempo, slow pace].
Want some unique favor ideas?
Generate a list of 5 unique wedding favor ideas for a [season] wedding with a [formal, casual, playful] vibe. The budget is [$5] per guest. We love [shared hobby] and [personal to you, i.e. dated long distance, met online].
Can’t settle on a honeymoon locale?
19th Century: Queen Victoria wore a white silk gown with lace, creating a lasting trend of wearing white. (Before this brides just wore their nicest dress to say “I do.”)
Find honeymoon destinations in [Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii] that offer [excellent cuisine, adventure, romantic experiences, history] and [culture, beaches, fine wine] in [season]. We are traveling with a [mid-range, luxury] budget.
20th Century: The bridal waltz, once scandalous, was established as the standard first dance in Europe and America.
Next
Mixology Bots
The signature sip is getting a modern upgrade. Robotic arms are providing bar-back support and entertainment, mixing, stirring and garnishing drinks with little help. Some allow guests to choose their beverage from a touch-screen menu while bots handle the pouring with an assist from a human bartender. Fancy upgrades include light shows or personalized guest interactions, giving your bar a big wow factor. In addition to delighting guests, these skilled robots offer speed and precise measures. Because who wants to wait for a drink?
The New Photo Booth
Photo booths have been a long-standing reception tradition, but this new wave of capture does more than take keepsakes. Boomerang booths allow you to make looping animations, while 360-degree booths capture you in slow motion with a rotating view that often includes digital overlays. AI-enhanced booths allow guests to restyle their photos into cartoons or watercolor paintings. It’s instant gratification and entertainment all wrapped up in one click.
Techy Tours
Are you planning a wedding away from home and working with a tight timeline to view multiple properties? Tech-savvy venues offer immersive digital tours allowing you to see indoor and outdoor
1922: Emily Post published Etiquette, cementing many wedding customs in American society.
1924: Chicago department store Marshall Field’s introduces the first wedding registry.
spaces without leaving your home. These dynamic guided tours can be livestreamed, allowing the host to answer questions in real time. Some spaces even offer specialized features for couples with VR headsets, letting you add decor to the space or visualize seating arrangements. These high-tech upgrades are making it even easier for you to find your dream venue, regardless of locale.
Drone Exits
Move over sparkler send-offs, the new tech craze is a light show via drone. Dozens of LED drones fly in synchronized patterns and “draw” text and animations in the sky. These choreographed performances are often set to music and tell a couple’s love story—and are much quieter than fireworks. Not only are these spectacles eco-friendly, but they are highly customizable and can double as a final, unforgettable moment of entertainment for guests. Keep in mind that drone shows are subject to local permits and airspace rules, so inquire early.
3D Printing
This futuristic tool is beloved by vendors and couples alike for its abilities to personalize. So many things can be 3D printed these days, from cake toppers to models of engagement rings that let you try on a style before committing. Centerpieces, table numbers, photo-booth props, hair accessories and cuff links can all be created with few clicks. The appeal here is the ability to imagine and design virtually anything.
1950: Postwar consumer culture fueled larger weddings in the US; tiered cakes, professional photography and bridal registries became the norm.
Couple Spotlight: Julie Chiang and Jeffrey Castellano
When it came time for Julie and Jeffrey to tie the knot, one thing was for sure. “We wanted to create a memorable, multiday celebration that was authentic to (and for) us, but also for all of our loved ones who have individually shaped our lives,” says Julie. Their planning process was deeply focused around the guest experience and the concept of full immersion. “We selected a venue that transported us away from day-to-day life, weaving in our cultural heritages through a Chinese tea ceremony and garden party, an immersive fireworks display and a tribute to Italian Opera,” shares Julie. Behind the scenes, the couple used their wedding website to get guests excited for the main event. They used a gaming avatar service called Ready Player Me to create custom bride-and-groom avatars.
The cartoon-like figures took guests through their love story, highlighting details about their meet-cute (on a dating app), challenges faced (isolation during COVID) and getting engaged. Guests went nuts, marveling at the couple’s creativity. Julie had hoped to livestream some of the big moments of the day—a trend popularized out of necessity during the pandemic—but ran out of time. Tech moves fast, so if she were to do it all over again, Julie would lean into location-aware AI. “It would be fun to create a geo-located in-moment experience and use AI to guide guests to the place,” she says.
Gamifying Love
Julie and Jeffrey wanted the lead up to the wedding day to be just as fun as the main event. Avatars and a gamelike love story were just the thing.
94% of couples agree that weddings should be “authentic and highly personalized.”
68% of couples say they want their guests to feel like their wedding was “unlike any other wedding they’ve attended.”
From a social poll of 1,000 couples conducted by
1965: Kodak introduces the Super 8 camera, making home movies easier than ever. The wedding video era begins in earnest.
1981: Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles and set a new standard for bridal-gown drama with a 25-foot train.
The Knot
No Soiree
No Soiree Without a Supply Chain
YOUR WEDDING GUESTS ARE FAR FROM THE ONLY FOLKS INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATION.
By Hannah Nowack
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, couples hire an average of 14 vendors to bring their wedding day to life. But have you ever considered what suppliers those pros rely on to power their businesses?
As you’ll quickly discover, even a hyperlocal wedding (which you can read more about on page 20) relies on
numerous, often international, suppliers. And when you add in the current economic atmosphere (read: tariffs), it’s easy to see why you might feel a smidge unsettled as your wedding date looms. I spoke with wedding experts and newlyweds to understand the situation and gather practical tips for nearlyweds.
Where Are Your Vendors Sourcing From?
What about tariffs?
The global connectedness of the wedding supply chain means the impact of ongoing import tariffs on couples’ wedding budgets is unavoidable. While the specific rates and affected countries continue to fluctuate as policies shift, we recommend that couples work buffer funds (around 10–15% of your total budget) into your plans to be prepared for unexpected costs that may arise if prices increase. Another way to mitigate the impact of tariffs (and supply-chain disruptions) on your wedding? Book early to lock in pricing and contract terms. As you do so, pay close attention to the terms in the contracts you sign. Some pros have begun adding clauses about price increases. When in doubt, or if you’re confused about anything, ask your vendors questions before signing on the dotted line.
Power of Pros
Have you ever thought about how a wedding dress gets to a salon? Or where the flowers in centerpieces originate? Every business a couple hires for their wedding relies on a broad network of (often international) suppliers. Read on to better understand how globally intertwined the wedding industry is.
Flowers From Afar
Ahna Han is a florist based in New York City and a former The Knot Ones to Watch honoree (meet this year’s class on page 38). As questions about imports arise, I consistently hear couples and their pros
worry about flowers. So I set out to get her take on how much the global supply chain and economic climate affects her business. I was astounded to learn that Han’s business taps at least 25 suppliers for a single wedding.
“It depends on the scale of the event, but for flowers alone, I typically source from at least four wholesalers. They act as middlemen, working directly with farms to obtain the flowers. If you factor in the farms themselves, the number of suppliers can reach 20 to 25, depending on the types of flowers and their origins. For hard goods like candles and decorative vases, I usually work with at least three vendors per event, bringing the total count to roughly 25 to 30 suppliers.”
While Han prefers to source locally whenever possible, the long East Coast winters limit her options. She can typically
procure locally only between May and October; she relies on California the rest of the year. Moreover, Han finds that the quality of local or regional flowers is generally inferior to imported blooms. She adds that not all plants can even grow in American climates, further limiting domestic sourcing capabilities. Not only do these climate variances affect quality, but they also hinder her ability to get enough blooms for a large event. Ultimately, to deliver on the level of excellence her couples expect, she often looks abroad for sourcing.
Han explains that she regularly purchases from Japan and Ecuador. “I’d love to source everything domestically, but some varieties (like gloriosa lilies, oncidiums, stemona vines and sweet
peas) from Japan are so exceptional and unique that they simply can’t be matched or replaced. Oncidiums offer a wide range of colors and variegation, while Japanese sweet pea—especially in March and April—stands out for its longer stems, fragrance and fluffiness. Stem length is crucial for design work, and I typically select these Japanese varieties as accent flowers to add height and dimension to arrangements,” she says. “I’ve made a conscious effort to balance sourcing and design choices to stay cost-effective, maintain profit margins and still honor original pricing. While challenging, it’s pushed me to think creatively, as my role involves not only artistic direction but also strategic budgeting.”
More Than a Plank of Wood
Morgan Montgomery is the co-owner of Paisley & Jade, an event rentals business based in Richmond, Virginia. Her company fabricates its inventory, but it still relies on a vast supply chain to support its work. “We’re typically sourcing the components for our builds from American distributors, but the products they supply have a whole back story of where they came from,” says Montgomery. “When we build and produce one backbar shelf (a very simple item in terms of design and construction), the lumber can be from New Zealand, the fasteners are made in Oman, and the hardware is
from China.”Montgomery explains that after gathering materials from around the globe, the pieces are finished with paints and stains from companies that manufacture in a variety of locations. “So the minute any of that supply chain is impacted by tariffs or other global trade challenges, the snowball effect is astronomical,” she says.
You might be wondering, “Can’t we just keep everything in the United States?” Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. According to Montgomery, it is “functionally impossible for us to find every component we need from a US manufacturer or supplier who only supplies materials and components from the US.” This doesn’t even take into account the tools and equipment pros like Montgomery use in addition to raw materials.
Where do we go from here?
If you’re like me, thinking about supply chain disruptions may leave you with a sense of existential dread. We get it. Seriously. But I’m also here to help so you don’t feel stuck. The reality is that tariffs are just one factor affecting supply chains. Everything from climate–induced shortages to simple human error can cause disruptions that have a domino effect on your wedding. The good news is you don’t have to wait around for the proverbial shoe to drop. Here’s some advice to keep in mind.
How to minimize the effects of supplychain disruptions on your wedding
Book your vendors early
Read contracts thoroughly
Ask plenty of questions
Be open to alternatives
Add contingency funds to your wedding budget
Global Garments
Attire is a major component of weddings, but you may not realize how international the industry truly is.
By Sofia Deeb
Wedding dresses, for the most part, are not massproduced in the same way that everyday attire is. Many of the wedding gowns you see in your local salon are
made to order, meaning the process of wedding dress creation doesn’t begin until after you’ve placed an order for a specific style. So what exactly happens before then?
The process of making a wedding dress starts in textile mills (many of which are located outside the US). Wedding dress manufacturers travel great distances to source the very best fabrics
for their gowns; different nations specialize in different materials. By most estimates, around 80 percent of the wedding gowns sold in the US today are made in China. And even those that are assembled in the US typically import fabrics and embellishments from abroad. Notably, China is the world’s largest producer of silk (and all fabric, for that matter). France and Italy are known for their longstanding lace-making traditions. Glass beads, pearls and other wedding dress embellishments can often be found in India and other parts of Asia. Some speciality embellishments, like French Chantilly lace, can sometimes become unavailable without much notice
(due to factors ranging from work-force availability to aging machinery), throwing the supply chain (and production timeline for a wedding gown) into disarray.
According to recent internal data, 69 percent of nearlyweds experienced delays in shipping or production while shopping for wedding attire. So what are you to do? For starters, learn from this next stat: 27 percent of nearlyweds wait till just six months from the wedding to start shopping for attire, which is actually pretty late. We typically recommend ordering your gown 8 to 10 months before the date of your wedding. Doing so creates a buffer in case anything goes awry, so your attire will be ready for the big event.
How a
75-person wedding at an all-inclusive venue relies on the global supply chain
Emily Dumas married Nate Wise in Roanoke, Virginia, in September 2024. Despite booking an all-inclusive venue that handled everything from floral design and food to rentals, the couple’s wedding still relied on a supply chain involving at least a dozen different countries. Beauty products and drinks came
from a smattering of European countries, while the attire and event equipment came from Australia and Japan. While all-inclusive weddings minimize the number of vendors a couple interacts with, the supplier network the pros rely on is often just as broad as you’d find at any other wedding.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S EQUIPMENT—JAPAN, TAIWAN
BRIDE’S JEWELRY—UNITED KINGDOM
How many vendors does a couple really need?
Is a local wedding truly local? Even without traveling internationally to say “I do,” couples need the support of the global supply chain to bring their celebration to life. We’re taking a look at two real couples to understand how far-reaching a wedding’s global footprint can be.
RECEPTION DRESS—CHINA
CEREMONY DRESS—AUSTRALIA
ENGAGEMENT RING—BELGIUM
A/V SYSTEM—MALAYSIA, CHINA
GLASSWARE—GERMANY
GROOM’S SUIT—CHINA
How a DIY 24-person wedding relies on the global supply
chain
Taylor Whitten married Tyler Nolan in Baltimore in January 2025. They hosted a mostly DIY wedding withonly 24 guests. Even this smaller-thanaverage event relied on supplies from at least sixcountries.Whitten’s gown was made in China, some of the rentals originated in Germany, the wine came from France, and the flowers came from across South America. While Taylor and Tyler’s small-scale wedding depended heavily on the global supply chain, bigger weddings lean on these networks even more broadly.
FLOWERS—ECUADOR
WINE—FRANCE
VEIL—CHINA
BRIDE’S SHOES—MEXICO, CHINA, ITALY
BRIDE’S DRESS—INDIA, CHINA
travel
Photography by Jens Mortensen | Styling by Elaine Winter
5 3 DESTINATIONS, WAYS Celebration Trifecta:
By Jen Murphy
Some destinations were made for romance. Tuscany, with its rolling vineyards and medieval castles. The Florida Keys, with their postcard-worthy beaches and cerulean sea. California wine country, with its Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique wine estates. These places provide the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind proposal,
a memorable destination wedding or a honeymoon locale you’ll want to keep coming back to year after year. Whether you’re recently engaged, tying the knot or escaping on your honeymoon, these five destinations tick all of the boxes for making special moments.
Sonoma, California
The Draw: Sonoma has picturesque rolling vineyards, boutique wine estates, hyperlocal restaurants and endless adventures, from kayaking the rugged coast to tubing lazy rivers.
Perfect Stay: Montage Healdsburg makes your wine country fantasies come true. Nestled on 258 acres of oak groves and vineyards, the 130-suite resort feels like a private estate with amenities like a zero-edge pool and
bocce and pickleball courts. There is a seriously deep wine cellar that includes Montage’s own private label produced in partnership with renowned winemaker Jesse Katz. In-house event planners can assist with weddings for up to 350 guests, and couples can choose from almost a dozen on-site venues, from the intimate, treehouse-inspired Oak Room to the elegant grand ballroom. From $1,000; Montage.com
Reservation to Score: The pinnacle of farm-to-table fine dining, SingleThread has been awarded three Michelin stars for its exquisite 10-course tasting menus. The restaurant’s nearby 24acre farm provides much of the bounty prepared in the kitchen.
Memory to Make: Slurp oysters, sip pinot grigio and hike amidst towering redwoods on a coastal tour with Bohemian Highway Travel Co. The local operator scoops clients up in a Land Rover Defender and can customize stops as you cruise along iconic Highway 1. From $476 for two people; BohoHwy.com
Tuscany, Italy
The Draw: Tuscany is known for its fairy-tale landscape of undulating vineyards and olive groves, cypress-lined roads and medieval castles, made all the more special thanks to Italy’s la dolce vita spirit, rooted in fantastic food and wine.
Perfect Stay: Straight out of a storybook, Castelfalfi’s 2,700acre estate is just over an hour outside of Florence and houses a restored medieval village, an
on-site winery, three pools, six restaurants, hillside trekking paths, Tuscany’s largest golf course and 146 rooms and five villas. Couples can connect while folding pasta dough, tasting Chianti or sightseeing by Vespa. Weddings are a specialty, and the property’s veteran planner can help coordinate flowers, music, meals and more. The hardest decision will be the venue, with a choice of four
locations, including a historic castle and lush Italian gardens. From $1,010; Castelfalfi.com ReservationtoScore: An ode to simplicity, Il Rosmarino, the resort’s homey trattoria, has a traditional menu of handmade pastas, bistecca alla Fiorentina and wood-fired Margherita pizza that’s so good you might eat it daily. Ask the sommelier
to pair your dishes with the estate’s organic wines.
Memory to Make: Join Castelfalfi’s resident truffle expert and his team of adorable dogs on a hunt deep within the property’s forests. After the pups sniff out the aromatic treasures beneath the soil, the chef will prepare a truffle-laden picnic ($580 for two people).
The Florida Keys, Florida
The Draw: The Florida Keys offer the relaxed, toes-in-the-sand vibe, crystal-clear water and year-round subtropical climate you’d find in the Caribbean—no passport required.
Perfect Stay: Sprawled across 15 oceanfront acres, Three Waters Resort & Marina on Islamorada is all about options. Of its 214 rooms, 63 are located within The Cove, an adultcentric resort-within-a-resort set on its own lagoon (honeymoon perfection). Its in-house team can work with your wedding planner to create your dream event, be it a 400-person beach bash or an intimate tikithemed ceremony. If guests exhaust
the hotel’s eight dining venues and endless water sports options, a complimentary water taxi will whisk them to Three Waters’ two sister resorts. From $299; IslamoradaResortCollection.com
Reservation to Score: The seafood tower served at the resort’s beef-to-reef concept, Kindler Wood-Fired Fare, is almost too pretty to eat.
Memory to Make: The resort’s new tiki-bar boat, Tropic Like It’s Hot, is the ultimate party at sea. Helmed by a captain and first mate, it’s equipped with a Bluetooth sound system, ice and coolers, plus colorful floats and a floating dock ($1,600 for a four-hour charter for two to 18 people).
Turks and Caicos
The Draw: Turks and Caicos has powdery beaches, iridescent blue waters, chic resorts and fresh seafood—plus quick direct flights from Miami.
Perfect Stay: The laid-back, off-the-beaten path feel of South Caicos is made for romantic moments, and the newly opened Salterra Resort & Spa is where to celebrate them. A part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the 65-acre property boasts a two-mile stretch of beach, 100 ocean-facing rooms, six on-site dining outlets and a stel-
lar spa. There’s a ballroom with sea views and space for 250 guests, making it a dreamy wedding venue. From $649; Salterra.com
Reservation to Score: Salterra’s fine dining restaurant, Brine, overlooks the island’s salinas, or salt flats. The “white gold” (the nickname for salt) tasting menu features fivedishes infused with island flavors, like conch tartare and red snapper with coconut rum sauce.
Memory to Make: Couples can sail off into a Monet-worthy sunset aboard the resort’s catamaran. Explore pristine beaches and uninhabited cays as you sip champagne on a charter (from $350 per couple).
Please note: Local laws may restrict service availability to all. Visit the Equality Index (Equaldex.com/ equality-index) for more information.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
TheDraw: Cabo boasts a backdrop of golden sunsets sinking into the Pacific (and possibly a whale spout or two, depending on the season), sensational restaurants, activities ranging from poolside pampering to thrilling adventures and easy direct flights from most major US cities.
Perfect Stay: If you want to go all out, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, has you covered. It offers a sanctuary-like spa, six dining venues and butler service for each of the 84 rooms and villas and eight pools. The dedicated “department of romance” is like a team of cupids, and the resort’s personalized wedding services handle
everything from catering and music to the justice of peace. From $900; RosewoodHotels.com
Reservations to Score: Treat your bridal party or fam to heirloom Bloody Marys and lemon ricotta pancakes at Baja brunch institution Flora’s Field Kitchen. Couples seeking a big splurge can book one of the secluded sunken tables at the resort’s seafood-centric Asian restaurant, Arbol. The reservation includes
unlimited à la carte dishes, a bottle of Cristal, commemorative wine glasses engraved with the couples’ initials and table-side pyrotechnics.
Memory to Make: Enjoy a private beach dinner with traditional Mexican fare and local grilled seafood from the resort’s Sea Grill restaurant. It becomes a glammy photo op with the addition of 300 candles, 250 roses, artisanal French bubbly and your own private fireworks show ($7,500).
By the Book: By the Book:
HONEYMOONS INSPIRED BY BOOKTOK’S BUZZIEST READS
By Sarah Hanlon
1 While you can’t rent the Fisher family home for your honeymoon at the fictional Cousins Beach, you can book your stay in the Outer Banks, the sun-drenched barrier islands that helped inspire Jenny Han’s young adult series (and the subsequent Amazon Prime adaptation).
The Location: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Genre: Relaxing
Where to Stay: The Sanderling
What to Do: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island fishing charter
2 Whip-smart and painfully honest, Alison Espach’s The
Wedding People will tug at your heart while making you think, “Wait, other people feel that way too?” It’s based on a wedding that takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, otherwise known as a go-to destination for coastal grandmother vacation vibes.
The Location: Newport, Rhode Island Genre: Coastal Where to Stay: Castle Hill Inn
What to Do: Newport Mansions tour, Cliff Walk, Bowen’s Wharf
3 One of the mythical cities in Sarah J. Maas’ beloved romantasy series is loosely inspired by Zermatt, Switzerland: a snowy mountain enclave nestled below the towering Matterhorn peak. An ideal honeymoon spot for adrenaline junkies, a wintry Zermatt vacation offers a little something for everyone, from spending your days on the slopes to cozying up by the fireplace for après-ski indulging. The Location: Zermatt, Switzerland Genre: Adventurous Where to Stay: The Omnia What to Do: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat Bahn, The Five Lakes Trail
4 While the Hotel Nantucket isn’t a real place, the Nantucket Hotel and Resort is—and it served as the inspo for Elin Hilderbrand’s scandalous page-turner set on the luxurious island off the coast of Massachusetts. Accessible only by ferry or plane, this highly soughtafter beach destination is best enjoyed while wearing faded Nantucket Reds with an icy mudslide in hand.
For avid readers and travel buffs, choosing a honeymoon destination might feel like selecting your next book from a never-ending TBR pile: virtually impossible. But what if a five-star read could inspire your postwedding vacay? To make travel planning a little easier, here’s where you should honeymoon, based on your favorite viral BookTok title—complete with its own genre and recs on where to stay and things to do. Just don’t forget to pack a new novel (or two) for your journey.
The Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Genre: Luxe
Where to Stay:
The Nantucket Hotel
What to Do: Sconset Bluff Walk, Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Nantucket Whaling Museum, Steps Beach
5 This Emily Henry novel launched her to the top of the romance genre. (Readers
adore her LOL-worthy banter and ever-so-swoony bookish boyfriends.) She confirmed that Beach
Read’s fictional North Bear Shores is an amalgamation of her favorite Michigan beach towns, including Saugatuck. It’s a charming beach escape with a vibrant art scene and plenty of activities for endless fun on and off the water.
The Location: Saugatuck, Michigan
Genre: Romantic Where to Stay: The Hotel Saugatuck
What to Do: Saugatuck
Dunes State Park, Lake Michigan cruise, art galleries
6 If you adored Casey McQuiston’s debut romance, we could suggest a honeymoon in Washington DC...but why not go abroad for your first trip as spouses? Get a glimpse of Prince Henry’s life by touring the grounds of royal palaces in London. Or if you don’t want to leave your hotel, take in the sights from your window while enjoying room service in an extra-fluffy robe.
The Location: London
Genre: Urban
Where to Stay: Shangri-La
The Shard, London
What to Do: London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle
bf n
fashion & beauty
Photography by Jens Mortensen | Styling by Elaine Winter
BEAUTY PICKS
Bare Necessities
As someone who leans toward classic styles, I have always been fascinated by the “capsule wardrobe” concept (read more about this approach to style on page 76). Sure, I still love to play with trends—I am a fashion editor, after all. But deciding to curate a collection of mixand-match wardrobe basics made my daily getting-ready process a whole lot easier. I
TRIED-AND-TRUE BEAUTY LOOKS FOR THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO YOUR BIG DAY—AND ALL THE DAYS AFTER IT.
By Kate Boswell
recently translated this same idea to my beauty routine. I streamlined my hair and makeup product collection and honed in on the looks and techniques I can turn to again and again. It’s something I wish I’d done before the busy wedding-guest season I’m in. My calendar is consistently filled with couples’ showers,
engagement parties, bridesmaid luncheons and the like.
Hiring a makeup artist and hairstylist for every occasion was out of my budget, but nailing down a few go-to DIY looks and staple products wasn’t. To help you do the same, I rounded up my favorite no-fail beauty looks—plus the products worth having in your arsenal to help you achieve them.
radiant skin
1. True Match Lumi Glotion, $18, L’Oréal, Ulta.com
2. Great Skin instant glow serum, $38, MeritBeauty.com
3. Magic cream, $65, Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora.com
One of the biggest beauty lessons I’ve learned over the years is that great makeup starts with great skin. Having a consistent routine is an important step to achieving a “bridal” glow, and that includes proper skin prep before makeup. Reach for a product that will both nourish your skin and create a smooth, radiant base for the rest of your look, like a hydrating primer or multi-use complexion enhancer. Extra points if you blend it with a damp sponge.
Sleek hair isn’t just in—it’s practical. When heat, humidity and hours on a dance floor strike, a no-fuss, out-of-yourface updo will never steer you wrong. Whether you prefer a polished low pony or a slickedback bun, the key to keeping it in place all night is a top-notch styling cream and a smoothing, shine-boosting brush. Pro tip: Opt for silk hair ties over clear elastics to protect your hair and prevent breakage.
1. Detail set, $35, T3, Anthropologie.com
2. The Massaging Detangling hairbrush, $198, LaBonneBrosse.com
3. Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 styling cream, $30, Dae, Sephora.com
a sleek updo
foolproof eyes
As long as you have a few neutral shadows on hand, there’s really only one technique you need to know to create a variety of eye looks. Place a medium-tone shade (your go-to bronzer works) in your eyelid crease and right underneath your lash line; stamp a brighter shade into the inner corner of your eye; and use a deep shade to create a shadow wing. The three-step process is easy to adjust and intensify depending on the level of drama you’re going for—all you need is a bit of mascara to finish off the look.
1. Major Dimension III matte eye shadow palette, $70, Patrick Ta,Sephora.com
2. Tartelette tubing mascara, $28, Tarte, Revolve.com 3. Eye Want It All 7-piece eye brush set, $28, Morphe, Ulta.com
natural hair
Learning to love the hair you were born with can take time, but once you do, it’ll save you time. Different hair types call for different products, but a hydrating, shine-boosting oil is something every strand will benefit from. Instead of heat styling, reach for a bold headband or embellished bobby pins for something that looks “done” without the damage. Our favorite finishing touch? A spritz of hair fragrance in a scent you’re obsessed with.
CURATE A VERSATILE WEDDING CAPSULE WARDROBE TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT (WHILE LOOKING FABULOUS!) AND SAVE MONEY FOR THE MAIN EVENT.
THE LOOKING AND THE MAIN EVENT
By Sofia Deeb Sofia Deeb
Outfit 1:
heard of the little black dress. Now meet the little white dress: The ideal look for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or, really, any ol’ day as a bride-to-be.
to the dre of your dreams is the beginn your draws near, ha less to don a weddi ensemble–from your engagemen your rehearsal dinner and every e between But out unique moments can st and expensive Enter: Your weddin wardrobe. a curated c pieces you can mix and match, yo take on any event in style
When it comes to coordinating your wedding wardrobe, saying “yes” to the dress or suit of your dreams is only the beginning. As your big day draws near, you’ll have countless opportunities to don a wedding-worthy ensemble–from your engagement party to your rehearsal dinner and every event in between. But picking out unique looks for each of these moments can be stressful— and expensive. Enter: Your wedding capsule wardrobe. By creating a curated collection of pieces you can mix and match, you’ll be set to take on virtually any event in style.
your pumps with a pair of
for a pared-down look, perfect for a bridal shower brunch or beach bachelorette trip.
Bride Outfit 2: Swap
sandals
Bride
You’ve
Bride Outfit 3:
A matching set is a musthave for any capsule wardrobe. You can wear the pieces together as intended or separately with items you already have in your closet, depending on the vibe of the prewedding event.
Bride Outfit 4:
There are moments in your bridal era when you can keep things casual (like touring venues or getting your marriage licence). Make them a bit more special by wearing a couple of pieces from your capsule.
1. Pearl dome button earrings, $85, LeleSadoughi.com
2. Lucille taffeta midi dress, $450, JennyYoo.com
3. Mirabell sun hat,$525, EugeniaKim.com 4. Chloe rattan purse, $185, BTBLosAngeles.com 5. Pearl pendant necklace, $98, Mejuri.com 6. PETA bag, $95, OlgaBerg.com 7. Diana button-down vest, $278, ShopFavoriteDaughter.com
8. Aphelion sunglasses, $50, AireShades.com 9. Jones trousers, $248, ShopFavoriteDaughter.com 10. Lana wide-leg jeans, $198, PistolaDenim.com
Groom Outfit 1: A linen button-down and pants will keep you cool whether you’re posing for engagement photos on the beach or dancing the night away on your bach trip. ing the away on your bach trip
Groom Outfit 2:
If there was ever a right time to add a new suit to your collection, it’s before your couple’s shower or rehearsal dinner. Why risk staining your wedding suit before the big day?
If there was ever a time to add a new suit to your collecit’s before your or dinner risk your suit before the
Groom Outfit 3:
Layer a button-down over a classic tee to switch up the vibe of both look while off your look with a of suede and be set for venue cake or a out with groomsmen
Layer a button-down over a classic tee to completely switch up the vibe of both pieces (and look stylish while doing so). Top off your look with a pair of suede boots, and you’ll be set for venue touring, cake tasting or a night out with your groomsmen.
Pick a any blazer. Pair it with your go-to of and a classic buttondown and get to turn heads at your or welcome party
Pick a blazer, any blazer. Pair it with your go-to pair of jeans and a classic buttondown and get ready to turn heads at your engagement party or welcome party.
Behind the Prewedding Beauty Routines of Real Brides
By Kate Boswell
HAIR EXTENSIONS
FROM BREATHWORK TO BOTOX, HERE’S AN UNFILTERED LOOK AT WHAT MADE FOUR BRIDES FEEL LIKE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES BEFORE THE BIG DAY—INSIDE AND OUT. FACIAL
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
CORTISONE INJECTIONS
There’s a lot of pressure for things to feel “perfect” on your wedding day—for your canapés to be the tastiest, your florals to be the prettiest and your dance floor to be the wildest. But perhaps the most significant of them all (at least, it was for me) is the pressure to look perfect. While you certainly don’t need to do anything to enhance your appearance before your wedding day, the truth is
that many of us want to feel like the best version of ourselves when we get married. For me, that meant smoothing the forehead lines I’ve had since 25, tinting my eyebrows (which I’ve always felt were a bit too blonde) and going to Barry’s Bootcamp classes like it was my job. For you, it might be investing in a few in-office skin-care treatments or doing a bit of healthy meal prepping. The answer
looks different for everyone. Since going through my own prewedding beauty journey, I’ve often found myself curious about what other to-be-weds were doing to prep for their big day. And I knew that if I felt that way, there’s a good chance you might too. So here you have it: a look into my very own prewedding beauty practices and those of three other brides.
Ella Tussey
THE GOAL:
“My main goal was to feel my best. We had both a photographer and a videographer, and I didn’t want to worry about them getting a bad angle. I wanted to feel super comfortable in my skin so I’d be less nervous in front of the camera. I knew there would be a lot of big emotions that day, and I wanted to focus on being present rather than stressing about what I looked like. I’ve always felt like confidence comes from how you feel you look rather than how you actually look—that feeling radiates from within. When you feel like you look good, people always notice.”
Adriana Ferris
THE GOAL:
“Beauty prep for my wedding day was really minimal. I didn’t want to chance switching things up, especially where my skin was involved, and risk causing a breakout or irritation. It was also really important to me to be able to look back at wedding photos and feel like I recognized myself, rather than feeling like I looked completely different than I normally do.”
THE PROCESS:
Facial
Haircut
Airbrush Tan
THE PROCESS:
Microneedling
Botox Injections
Professional Teeth
Whitening
Hydrafacial
DiamondGlow Facial
Regular Hair Trims
Daily Arm Workouts
Monthly Manicures
High-Protein Diet
No Alcohol
Suntan
Marjorie Navalta-Nguyen
THE GOAL:
“I really wanted to have my skin looking its best. And while it’s so normal to have weight fluctuations as we go through life, I definitely wanted to feel stronger and more confident in my body. I was super intentional with wedding prep and wedding planning in general. I didn’t want to overdo it or stress myself out to the point that it wasn’t enjoyable anymore. There’s no such thing as perfect. As long as you’re confident in yourself and focused on the big picture, there’s no better feeling than that.”
THE PROCESS: Running Yoga Prescription Acne Medication Microneedling No-Makeup Days Strict Skin-Care Routine Massage Therapy
Take Two
Wedding dress designer Hayley Paige is getting a second chance at an eponymous line and happily ever after.
By Lauren Kay
Hayley Paige has always known what she wanted. Her grandmother taught her how to sew, and at 25, she launched her own line of wedding gowns. She signed a contract with JLM Couture granting the company rights to use her name and trademark for bridal designs. After resigning in 2020, Paige found herself legally restrained from using her own name—even losing her Instagram account and intellectual property. Paige was not
deterred, designing shoes under the name Cheval as a creative outlet while the legal battle ensued. Nearly four years later, she reached a settlement restoring her rights to her name and designs. The designer made her long-awaited return to bridal this July with her new collection, aptly named “Twice Upon a Time.” Her story is one of resilience. We sat down with Paige to chat about second chances— both in her professional and personal life.
Paige found love again, too, with fiance Conrad Louis.
Q: How are you?! You’ve been on a journey these last five-plus years. Do you feel like you’re on the other side?
A: I’m closer to being centered than I’ve been in a long time. The past few years taught me how to live through discomfort and still find ways to create or find catharsis in sharing my story. I don’t know if I believe in a true “other side,” because everything in life has a way of staying part of you, but I feel more at peace and anchored in getting to practice what I love…and protect what I can.
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from following your passion and building your own brand not once, but twice?
A: Following a dream is rarely linear, and the idea that you only get one shot in life is a myth. Rebuilding something twice has been profoundly humbling. It’s taught me how fragile—and how valuable—creative ownership truly is. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about vision; it’s about stewardship, resilience and the ability to rebuild with both intellect and heart. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned not to let the setbacks make you bitter—or the wins make you unkind.
Q: What was your inspiration for this collection, and how do these designs feel like an evolution of the Hayley Paige brand?
A: This collection was born from a place of re-entry—not just a return to design, but a redefinition of what it means to create something honest, well-made and emotionally whole. Twice Upon a Time reflects a deeper commitment to helping women feel beautiful on their day. There’s a quiet strength in this chapter, and I like to think the work carries both a sense of maturity and a rekindled curiosity.
Q: Speaking of feeling beautiful on your wedding day, your new collection takes a unique approach to sizing.
A: It’s absolutely part of a shift in perspective. We replaced traditional sizes with floral references to move the language away from measurement and toward mood. Fleur Couture,their size philosophy, invites brides to consider how they want to feel—supported, celebrated and dynamic—rather than be reduced to a number, especially one that often fluctuates without real meaning. It’s about honoring fit as a lived experience, not just a data point on a chart.
“ Reinvention looks different for everyone, but one thing is for sure: It’s always on the table.
Q: You’re getting a second chance not only professionally, but personally too. How did you and your fiancé Conrad meet?
A: We met through a mutual friend in a setting that felt very honest up front. Luckily, neither of us held back on our excitement for each other. There was zero game-playing and, fortunately, a mutual infatuation. What stood out to me early on was his ingenuity. Conrad is someone who doesn’t just adapt— he quietly strategizes, builds and follows through. There’s a deep sense of selfreliance in the way he moves through the world, but it’s never isolating. It’s focused. Earned. He’s carved out a life entirely on his own terms, and yet still shows up with generosity, humor and care. That balance—of independence and attentiveness—is rare, and it’s something I deeply admire.
Q: He pulled off an epic engagement! How did you know this was the real “fairy tale” you’d been searching for?
A: That weekend was a treasure, and at the
time, it truly felt like a fairy tale. I appreciate it even more now, after everything we’ve navigated together. Fairy tales evolve. They weather storms, shift shape and often show up in the everyday moments: in a partner who is consistent, respectful and steady when things aren’t ideal. That’s what I’m most proud of—how we’ve grown up together.
Q: Did you feel like you needed to sort out your professional life before planning?
A: Absolutely. We made a conscious decision early on not to rush or react out of pressure— especially while navigating a tough chapter professionally and financially. There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, and I felt I owed it to both of us to first reclaim a sense of peace and stability in my career. That way, when we do get married, we can truly celebrate, without feeling tethered to the weight of things that felt pretty heavy.
Q: What advice would you give someone in a “second chance” chapter of life?
A: You get as many big life moments and chances as you allow yourself. You don’t just get to start once—you’re allowed to begin again, as many times as it takes. Second chances can feel heavier, like there’s more at stake, but they also come with greater clarity, deeper capability and a stronger sense of self. If you ever find yourself overthinking what “authenticity” really means, start there: be honest about what you’re putting into the world. That truth—in any form—is a great place to work from. And maybe most importantly, hold onto your whimsy. Even when things feel dark or uncertain.
The Twice Upon A Time collection is inspired by Paige’s journey back to bridal fashion. From left: Turning Paiges gown; La Vie En Fleurs gown.
T h r o u h the Glass
L o o n g
REFLECTING LIGHT AND BENDING PERCEPTION, THESE SHIMMERING PIECES BLUR THE LINE BETWEEN FANTASY AND REALITY.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENS MORTENSEN STYLING BY REBECCA DENNETT
Clockwise from thumb: JR ring by Nickho Rey; Luna Mini sterling silver ring by Wyld Box Jewelry; Bahia shell ring by ITA Jewelry; ring by Erickson Beamon; Luna diamond pavé ring by Wyld Box Jewelry; Dita bracelet by Ashaha.
Clockwise from top: Menuet
solitaire ring with baguette diamonds, À Cheval three-row necklace and À Cheval ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Clockwise from top: Bermuda hoops by Nickho Rey; Cube earrings by Martha Calvo; whitegold diamond disco-ball earrings by Yvonne Léon through Farfetch; Fady ring by Nickho Rey.
Clockwise from left: Custom oval ring, Curve wrapped serpent ring and custom lab-grown diamond fashion rings by Grown Brilliance.
from
Clockwise
top: Cleopatra choker by Grown Brilliance; Petit scissor clutch by Alexis Bittar; Jolie lapel pin by Saulé; Solanales crystal fringe earring by Alexis Bittar; Serpentine necklace by Mociun; Thinking of You diamond scapular necklace by Marie Lichtenberg.
Clockwise from thumb: Tricone solo ring by Ritique; Unzi ring by Ashaha; Fold ring, Tuck ring, Transformation ring and Gusher ring by Mociun; Luna choker by Anita Ko; Marcos necklace by Martha Calvo; Naples chain-link choker by Anita Ko; custom lab-grown diamond fashion ring by Grown Brilliance; Paved Kahina ring by Ashaha; stretch gold link bracelet by Ben-Amun; custom lab-grown fashion ring by Grown Brilliance.
from top:
Clockwise
Cosmopolitan clutch by Judith Leiberé; Leni Mini necklace in crystal by Saulé; Solanales large crystal pavé geode ring by Alexis Bittar; diamond spiral band by Dena Kemp; Jumbo Slinkee white-gold ring by Boochier; Liquid Lucite crystal pavé geode ring by Alexis Bittar.
Nails by Jazz Style; set design by Elaine Winter; model: Kimberly King/ Parts Models.
life
Photography by Jens Mortensen | Styling by Elaine Winter
Friend s t o F o rever
ROMANCE BLOOMED FOR KAT GRAHAM AND BRYANT WOOD. HERE THEY OPEN UP ABOUT MAKING THEIR LOVE OFFICIAL, TWICE.
BY LAUREN
KAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAROLD JULIAN
KKat Graham and Bryant Wood are coming off a whirlwind week, having tied the knot in front of friends and family on August 8, 2025, in Mountain Center, California, just one week prior to our meeting. This was technically their second wedding, their first being an elopement two years before to the day. It’s quickly apparent to me that Kat is a force. I’m awestruck by her beauty but even more impressed by her talent. The multi-hyphenate actor and singer is confident but unassuming, despite her success on- and off-screen. Bryant is the yin to her yang, a steady and calm presence: The breathwork coach and wellness guru exudes peace. I can feel the good energy circling us as I tee up my favorite question to ask a couple: “Could you tell me your love story?”
“It’s not really a love story,” Kat says with a laugh. The couple first met at a birthday party. After being friends for a few years, they strategized on a wellness initiative that would bring meditation, biohacking and different health practices together. Eventually, they co-created a health startup and worked side by side for five years, organizing conferences and deepening their friendship. After the company closed, Bryant had a dream about Kat—a “sexy dream,” he confesses. The next morning he called Kat, convinced the universe was at work. “I ask if she had a dream too,” says Bryant. “He didn’t say it was a sexy dream,” Kat interjects as the two begin to ping-pong the story. She didn’t have a dream of any kind but agreed to meet up with Bryant while she was visiting Los Angeles. She immediately knew something was different. “I don’t want to say I’m witchy, but I am very energetically
sensitive, so I straight-up asked him, ‘Do you have sexual energy towards me?’” says Kat. Bryant fessed up.
I ask Kat, who has been engaged twice before but never married, what made this relationship different. “I didn’t really understand the ‘when you know, you know,’ but once we were together, I was like, oh this is my husband. I got it,” says Kat. Two months into their more-than friendship, they had a bubble-bath date where Kat confessed her profound feelings. She admitted she thought the relationship could be forever but worried it was too soon. Bryant felt the same way. “I tell everybody she asked me to marry her, and after that we were married,” says Bryant. Kat laughs without issuing a correction. “All of these fancy Hollywood proposal scenarios—no, we were sitting in the bath and I said, ‘I want to be with you. I want to marry you,’” she says.
So they got married. It started with a desire for a secure (and private) wedding certificate and ended with a guy coming to a friend’s home and doing it all at once. “It was not the most romantic thing,” Kat laughs. “We were wearing matching Bermuda shorts. I think the guy’s name was Alex. He wore a golf shirt and had a ‘good vibes’ tattoo,” she continues. “I remember this really special moment where Alex looks at us and says, ‘Do you want me to read your vows to you?’” Bryant says. “And then he pulls out his phone and reads off it. I thought, ‘Are you kidding me?’” They planned to throw a wedding soon after the impromptu elopement, but life had other plans. Kat’s mom got sick and later died. “I wasn’t in the space to celebrate,” says Kat. “But it’s okay to do things your
“He’s been there for all my big moments,” Kat says. “Even when we were just friends.” The two joke they do everything backwards, including getting each other’s names tattooed (hers on his neck, his on her ribs) before saying “I do.”
Biggest Fan
way. We did everything our way. We were friends first. It wasn’t love at first sight. We’ve done everything backwards.”
Timing is everything, something the couple knows all too well. Kat got her start in the entertainment industry at age five, starring in commercials before moving on to music videos. Next were films and then, at age 19, she landed the role of Bonnie Bennett in the CW drama series The Vampire Diaries “We worked so hard that I didn’t even look up,” she remembers. Since then, Kat has appeared in feature films and Netflix originals. Her latest role is as Diana Ross in an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, proving what a versatile actor she is.
Bryant also dabbled in the industry. He moved out at age 15 and started working, first as an underwear model and then as an actor. He soon realized this wasn’t his path as he confronted inner challenges. “Addiction, social anxiety, bulimia—everything was coming at once,” he says. At 22, he went on a healing journey and became focused on an existential question: Why are we really here? “I spent the last 10 years answering this question about the meaning of life. As a by-product of my search, I found breathwork,” he shares. “Breathwork was the quickest and most effective way of healing that produced a state of embodied peace. It transformed my behaviors, identities and thoughts. I devoted my life to it.”
Kat never saw herself as a traditional bride, but her godmother, Hollywood golden-era actor Valerie von Sobel, knew a celebration needed to happen. “People don’t talk about how hard it can be to celebrate if you’ve lost a parent,” shares Kat. “I’ve always made my wins about my work—it was never about my personal wins, because I never felt like I was that lucky. I don’t need to celebrate; I’m happy, and that’s enough.” But talking to Valerie changed her perspective. Like Kat, Valerie had experienced loss in her life and wanted to make some good come of it. She decided to turn her property into a source of happiness and new beginnings by building a chapel in honor of her late son and husband. “She encouraged me to just go for it, so we did. We had the first wedding on her property.”
The wedding was a labor of love, start to finish. Valerie worked alongside a handful of people every day getting the property ready. The octogenarian oversaw the construction of the chapel, built in just six months, and helped with decor details like the flowers. The morning of the wedding, Valerie and Bryant foraged the property for greenery and blooms for the centerpieces. Then they donned kimonos and meditated in her Japanese sunken-style room, calling on creativity before designing ikebana-style arrangements. “It was the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” says Bryant.
The guest list consisted of family members and friends who feel like family. There are certain times when you really want family, Kat says, having lost her mother and been estranged from her father since childhood. “But you have
friends, you have chosen family, you have people who still want to show up for you.” Bryant’s grandparents, who have been together for 70 years, walked him down the aisle. He was raised Catholic, Kat was raised Jewish, and they both consider themselves deeply spiritual. Bryant’s friend Rabbi Iggy officiated, while another friend from India played the sitar. They passed their rings around and put a modern spin on the traditional Jewish ritual of the seven blessings, asking friends to share personal blessings.
Bryant used AI to identify a color palette that matched the environment and asked guests to dress in these hues—including ivory and cream, another nontraditional choice. Kat had no fear of being upstaged: She was wearing custom Jean Paul Gaultier. “I got to work with Franck Duquenne, director of couture, for two years. It was just a dream.” Bryant wanted a white silk ensemble, so Kat enlisted her best friend, Hema Bose, who represents designers in India, to help. She delivered silk pants and a white jacket—featuring a steel clasp with a white pearl—less than an hour before the ceremony. (“You couldn’t plan this,” Kat says.) Kat wore pearl earrings with her dress and carried a steel rose in lieu of a bouquet to honor the resilience that comes after loss. “It was perfect,” says Bryant. Their second wedding was an opportunity to close a chapter of hardships—Kat losing her mom and beloved dog, Bryant having serious back surgery—and celebrate their next chapter with family and friends. When it came time to swap vows again, they penned their own. “I’m a triple Virgo,” Kat says. “Not only did I write them, but I transferred them into matching vow books.” In the weeks before the wedding, Bryant prayed and meditated to find the right words, but only jokes came to mind. His were written the morning of the wedding. Kat interrupts, grinning, “And here’s the cutest part about Bryant: He can’t write small! So he had his vows on his phone, but he covered the phone with the vow book,” she laughs. Bryant smiles, pleased with himself, while I joke that good-vibes Alex the officiant was there in spirit. Valerie walked Kat down the aisle to a string quartet playing music from the movie Ratatouille “I’m not a bridezilla,” says Kat. “But I’m a bit of a foodzilla.” She had once dreamed of becoming a chef, before getting the role in The Vampire Diaries. She may have dropped out of culinary school, but she still loves to cook. “We do not like food waste, so we didn’t do a typical sit-down dinner,” Kat says. Instead, guests noshed on passed hors d’oeuvres and helped themselves to pasta classics served inside cheese wheels. The wedding was dry, Bryant says, so guests could be fully present for the celebration. Bryant, the house mixologist, whipped up healthy alternatives like a matcha/yuzu sparkler and floral lemonade. “Everything we had at the wedding is what we love in our day-to-day life,” says Bryant. The couple opted for millefoglie, a traditional Italian cake. The chefs made the pastry in
“IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I COULD PROCESS FAMILY,” KAT SAYS. “LOOKING AROUND IT JUST HIT ME. IT WAS THE BEST DAY.”
Love After Loss Kat carried a single steel rose, honoring the resilience that comes after loss. The ikebana-style centerpieces for the reception featured florals foraged from the property.
front of the guests, with an assist from the bride and groom. The guests received small spatulas to cut themselves pieces of the fig-laden dessert, ensuring no slices of cake were left behind on reception tables.
Music was at the forefront of the reception. “I’m from Switzerland, his family is from Sicily and his dad has Australian roots. Our music reflected all of that—everything from Celia Cruz to Afrobeat was playing,” says Kat. For the after-party, Bryant donned a three-piece white suit with tails, and Kat changed into more Gaultier for her poplin top and Betsy Johnson for her feet. “I would have stayed in my gown forever, but I know how silly we are and how we party. I could not get this dress dirty!” The couple, also known for their love of games, worried about the evening being “fun enough.” So they went as far as hiring a mechanical bull. An entire corral was constructed for guests to rumble with the animatronic animal. “I always want Bryant to be the most himself that he can be,” says Kat when I raise a brow about the bull. “I think that’s the success of any relationship.”
“Our venue offers the freedom for couples to express their own vision on this nine-acre private estate,” says Valerie von Sobel, the owner and Kat’s godmother. “We have hosted wedding parties as small as six people to up to 200. We hope to welcome couples and their guests who will remember their most important occasion with smiles and joy.” To book Chalet Tournesol, visit Chalet-Tournesol.com
Venue
Chalet Tournesol, Mountain Center, CA
Photography & Content
Harold Julian; Orion Bustamante; Kaajal Kukadia
Planning &
Creative Direction
Marcus Allen Creative
Officiant Rabbi Iggy
Fashion & Beauty
Kat’s Gown & Bridal Rose: Jean Paul Gaultier
Bryant’s Attire: Anamika Khanna
Kat’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Wedding Rings: Chaumet
Hair: Robear Landeros
Seamstress: Mariah McCormick
Staff Wardrobe: The Vestments Group
Design & Details
Invitations & Bar Signage: Luxe Marie Stationery
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals; Sullivan Party Rentals
Food & Beverage
Catering: Chef Joann & Co.
Charcuterie:
Megan Chapman Wellness
Dessert: Gelato Granucci
Beverage Partner: Smartwater
Music, Sound & Entertainment
String Quartet: Pink Mozart
Entertainment
Musicians: Ronobir Lahiri; Whitewolf
DJ: Steven Spence
Sound & Production: Bouquet Sound
Lodging
The Grand Idyllwild Lodge
Special Thanks Valerie von Sobel & Oksana Badrak
The two took their time planning a celebration that reflected them and their love story. Kat had felt intimidated by the idea of a wedding, fearing it had to be traditional. “But you can get married your way,” she says. It was more work than the wellness conferences the two put on years ago, Bryant admits, but it was worth it. “It was the first time I could process family,” Kat says through tears. “I never allowed myself that because the little I had, I lost. And then looking around, it just hit me. It was the best day.”
Since the wedding, the two have felt their dynamic shift. “It has to do with proclaiming your love in front of your friends and family and getting that support,” says Bryant. Their dayto-day life, however, remains mostly unchanged. They each have a meditation practice, and every Thursday they Zumba together. “He’s a ladies man, with all these 80-year-old women high-fiving him in class,” Kat shares. When they’re not dancing, they’re leaning into their other shared interests. “We want to make [wellness and spirituality] accessible to communities that don’t have access to them,” says Kat. Giving back is a big
part of who Kat is. When she wasn’t landing roles as a kid, her mom encouraged her to get out of her head and volunteer. In 2013, Kat got involved with UNHCR (the UN’s refugee agency), and she’s been passionate about the cause ever since; she was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2020. The newlyweds have 11 animals at home, including ferrets, dogs and a couple of kittens rescued just days before their wedding. “It takes up 25 percent of our time,” Kat admits with a laugh. Even still, they’re excited to grow their family. “We are in a wonderful place now with our careers and relationship, so we are actively open to accepting that role as parents when God blesses us,” says Bryant.
“We are the most unconventional people,” says Kat. “Don’t see your partner on your wedding day? I’m in his room saying, ‘Baby, do you want this steamed?’ But it works for us.” The couple did things their way, on their timeline and have zero regrets. Valerie’s instance of a celebration has become Kat’s motto now too. “No matter what you go through or where you come from, just give yourself a wedding,” she says. “Celebrate your love. Just do it.”
Is Financial Compatibility More Important Than Sexual Compatibility?
We hear about sexual compatibility all the time, yet have you ever heard your friends chat about financial compatibility over coffee? It’s arguably just as—or dare we say,
even more important.
By Elana Lyn Gross
Illustrations by Nicole Album
“Who you decide to partner with can be one of the biggest financial decisions of your life,” says Traci Williams, a board-certified psychologist and certified financial therapist at Healthy Wealthy Roots. “People enter relationships with their own money beliefs, feelings and behaviors. Ensuring these work together is crucial for both the health of the relationship and your financial future.”
So how do you determine whether you’re financially compatible with your partner? And, more importantly, can you increase your compatibility? We dialed the experts.
Why Financial Compatibility Is Crucial
Money impacts every part of your relationship, from paying your day-to-day bills to reaching major milestones that matter to you, like having your dream wedding and honeymoon, buying a home, growing your family and saving for retirement. When you have shared financial habits and goals, you feel like you’re working together instead of against each other.
“You need to be able to communicate with each other about what your financial goals are, what you want your lifestyle to look like, how you’re going to afford that lifestyle, where the money’s coming from and where it’s going,” says Aja Evans, a certified financial therapist who helps individuals and couples understand their
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Money impacts every part of your relationship. When you have shared financial habits and goals, you feel like you’re working together instead of against each other.
Communicating openly and honestly can help you mitigate money disagreements and financial anxiety. Money is a major stressor for Americans and one of the leading causes of divorce. “Being able to have these kinds of conversations about finances is not just about communication but about meeting the other person where they are and understanding their past, present and future financial goals,” Evans says.
How to Assess Financial Compatibility
You’ve hopefully talked about big topics like kids, religion, politics, work, family dynamics, goals and your core values before taking big steps. Think meeting the parents, moving in together, getting engaged and saying your vows. But have you talked about your financial literacy and your money habits and goals? You should, and here’s why.
“My favorite thing to share with couples is that couples who talk about money report feeling closer than those who don’t. When you take money from being a taboo topic to something you can openly discuss, it becomes a tool for connection and intimacy,” says Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a licensed master social worker, certified financial therapist and founder of Mind Money Balance.
To figure out whether you’re financially compatible, you need to get financially intimate. Getting “financially naked”can help you connect and be equal partners in your money life, regardless of who earns more.
So where to start? We asked the experts to share topics that will help you evaluate your financial compatibility.
Your personal finances:
Talk about any details you haven’t already shared, like your incomes, savings, debts, credit scores and major expenses. “Look for signs of financial responsibility, such as consistent saving, low or manageable debt, timely bill payments and a willingness to talk openly about money,” says Janelle Sallenave, the chief spending officer at Chime.
“
To figure out whether you’re financially compatible, you need to get financially intimate. Getting ‘financially naked’ can help you connect and be equal partners in your money life, regardless of who earns more.
QUESTIONS TO ASK TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU’RE FINANCIALLY COMPATIBLE
Sallenave shared five questions you can ask each other and what they reveal.
What are your biggest financial goals in the next 5 to 10 years? Understanding long-term priorities can help you get aligned on a vision for the future.
Do you prefer to save aggressively or spend on experiences? This clarifies your spending styles to help manage lifestyle expectations.
How do you feel about debt, and do you currently have any? This opens up honest dialogue about financial obligations and attitudes toward debt and borrowing money.
How much financial independence do you want within our relationship? This helps define boundaries and preferences.
How did your family handle money when you were growing up? Exploring past experiences can reveal money mindsets and habits, helping each person better understand how their partner approaches finances.
Questions to Ask to Determine How to Manage Your Finances
Sallenave shared five questions you can ask each other and why they’re helpful.
Are we at a stage where combining some of our money feels practical? Reflect on your relationship milestones to see if merging finances makes sense right now.
Your money habits:
Everyone has different comfort levels around saving and spending money. Some people lean more heavily toward one or the other. Don’t worry if you don’t line up completely. “A lot of times we balance each other out. The spender might teach us how to live and experience life more deeply now, and the saver helps us remember our future and goals,” says Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a certified financial planner and founder of The Fiscal Femme.
If you are polar opposites and can’t find a way to meet in the middle, it could lead to frequent money fights, stress and emotional distance, Bryan-Podvin explains. “Conflicts arise when there’s no effort to compromise, and one partner feels unfairly pressured to adjust,” she says.
Your personal money values:
It’s likely that your current money beliefs stem from your past. “We all have different relationships with money that come from how we were raised, our experiences and those around us. Understanding what drives our partner’s money relation-
Would we feel more comfortable with a joint account, separate accounts or a combination of both? Explore different account setups to find what fits your comfort levels and needs.
What shared expenses or goals are we working toward? Identify common financial priorities like rent, travel or saving for a home.
How should we divide financial responsibilities? Discuss who will handle tasks like paying bills and managing savings.
How can we make our plan feel fair, flexible and aligned with our lifestyles? Ensure your approach supports both of your values, habits and evolving needs.
ship can help us have compassion,” says Feinstein Gerstley. She recommends asking your partner about their first money memory, their family’s finances when they were a child and how their family handled money.
“ Here’s the good news: You don’t have to split up because you’re not financially compatible. If you put in the work, you can find ways to align and feel like you’re on the same team.
Your individual financial goals:
Before discussing your joint financial goals, share your personal ones so they’re factored into your planning. “Whether it’s buying a home, traveling more or becoming debt-free, sharing your short-and long-term financial goals can reveal whether you’re moving in the same direction,” says Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. Just like you have your own hobbies and interests, it’s okay if some financial goals don’t match up. It’s up to you whether you want to tackle individual goals like paying off student debt or buying a car independently or together.
Your financial issues:
Whether you have one joint account, separate accounts or a hybrid approach, you can still get into financial disagreements. It might seem easier to avoid the fight altogether, but that can lead to resentment and even financial infidelity, which is when people keep financial secrets from their partner. “A pattern of lying and keeping secrets is a red flag,” says Bryan-Podvin.
If one partner frequently lies about their financial habits, it can lead to trust issues and financial repercussions.
Fighting fair is a sign of a healthy relationship, and how you fight about finances is no exception. “It’s about how you treat each other and how you speak to one another about it. If there’s constant disrespect toward someone in the relationship, that’s not okay,” says Bryan-Podvin.
How to Increase Your Financial Compatibility
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to split up because you’re not financially compatible. If you put in the work, you can find ways to align and feel like you’re on the same team. Here are some actionable strategies you can implement ASAP.
Decide how to manage your finances:
Decide how to manage your finances:
There are many different ways couples manage their finances, from opening one joint account to splitting shared expenses and paying for personal expenses like shopping, hobbies and activities with friends separately. “Explore options like merging accounts, keeping them separate or a hybrid approach, and choose what best fits your relationship and goals,” says Sallenave. “Agree on financial boundaries. Be clear about what purchases or financial decisions should be made jointly versus independently to avoid misunderstandings,” Alev says.
There are many different ways manage their finances, from opening one account to shared expenses and for expenses like hobbies and activities with friends separately
If you have separate accounts, consider how you want to contribute to joint expenses and find something that works for your relationship, whether it’s splitting them straight down the middle or paying proportionally based on your incomes. “I worked with a couple who had a unique money management style because they had different incomes: One of them paid for big-ticket items like vacations, and the other would cover smaller ‘treats’ like happy hours or coffee dates. They each felt they were spending money on fun things for their partner that were within their respective budgets,” Bryan-Podvin.
Set shared and independent financial goals:
Do you want to buy a house? Make a dent in your mortgage? Decide what you want to accomplish together. “Align on big objectives while also making space for personal goals, so each partner feels empowered and respected,” says Sallenave.
Consider a prenuptial agreement:
Whether you just got engaged or are weeks away from your wedding, Alev suggests discussing how you want to protect your assets if you get divorced. It can be helpful to get a prenup if you have different net worths or incomes or you’ve had money concerns in your relationship. “You might never need it, but knowing your bases are covered can bring peace of mind,” Alev says.
Have monthly money dates:
When you’re building a life together, you are going to have shared expenses regardless of how you decide to handle
Money Date
Here are some topics you could discuss:
Review last month’s income and expenses and anticipate this month’s
Set your new monthly budget
Decide how you’ll manage shared expenses
Track your progress toward short-and long-term goals
Celebrate your financial wins. Cheers!
your finances. Add a money date to your regular routine.
“A money date, a designated time to regularly discuss finances, can help couples set and keep track of their financial goals. Couples can use this time to review bills, plan savings goals, track debt payoff and more,” says Williams. Looking for another reason to make money dates a priority? “I’ve seen that couples who openly discuss their finances are less likely to have money-related arguments,” Williams adds.
See a financial therapist:
If you’re dealing with financial infidelity, your money fights get heated or you feel like you’re having the same disagreements frequently, it might be time to call in reinforcements. “Work with a financial therapist, a professional who can help couples understand how they feel and behave with money and improve how they communicate about their finances,” says Williams.
The Rise of
Meet-Cute the Wedding
These
real love stories will make you, or your single friends, RSVP “yes.”
Psychics or TikTok tarot card readers may try to uncover the mystery of how you’ll meet the love of your life. Ultimately, though, there’s no way to know how it’s going to happen…until it does. Amid the rise in intentional dating among singles and Gen Zers, we predict a new trend is taking flight: meeting your partner at a wedding.
A wedding is arguably the best place to meet someone IRL. Not only do invitations go out to a vetted list, but guests instantly have something in common with other attendees. Weddings are an exclusive club within the couple’s inner circle. Not to mention that there’s an inherent sense of romance and whimsy in the air.
The possibility of meeting someone at a wedding is a rising trend supported by our data. For years, dating apps have been the most common way people try to meet their spouse. If you dream of having a movie-worthy meet-cute, we have some good news for you. According to The Knot 2024 Jewelry & Engagement Study, only 27 percent of people who got engaged met online.
Our data also shows that 16 percent of couples who wed last year met through mutual friends, consistent with 2023 and 2022. What’s more, 9 percent of couples met in a social setting. Of course, it’s rare that any guest will RSVP to a wedding intending to find their soulmate. But for those willing to have a little faith in the powers that be, a wedding meet-cute is possible.
Case in point: Savvy Shields Wolfe, who was crowned Miss America 2017. In 2015, she was a bridesmaid for one of her sorority sisters. During the processional, one groomsman caught her eye, and she learned they had run in similar social circles for years without ever crossing paths. “Looking back, we have no idea how we did not meet beforehand,” says Wolfe.
“
A wedding is arguably the best place to meet someone IRL. Not only do invitations go out to a vetted list, but guests instantly have something in common with other attendees. Weddings are an exclusive club within the couple’s inner circle.
She spent the rest of the night trying to catch his attention from the dance floor, to no avail. “I was doing everything to try to get his attention,” she says. They were finally introduced as they grabbed sparklers to send off the newlyweds.
By the end of the night, they made plans for a double date with friends from the wedding the next day—after which they became inseparable. “We didn’t start out as friends. We went straight into being in love,” Wolfe says of their instant connection. The first thing their pastor did during their 2018 wedding ceremony was thank the couple who introduced them, Wolfe recalls. “It’s so fun to look back and think of
Sarah Hanlon | Illustration by Joules Garcia
Where Do Most People Meet Their
Spouse?
how surprising that night was,” she says. “Knowing how the ending turned out makes it that much sweeter.”
Haley Brennan had a similar serendipitous meet-cute in 2023. “My boyfriend, Bryan, was a groomsman for one of his best friends from college. I was a bridesmaid for my best friend from high school,” she says. “They purposely sat us together at the rehearsal dinner, but we ended up barely speaking then or even during the wedding. We were focused on celebrating our best friends getting married, so meeting someone was not at the forefront of either of our minds.”
Everything changed at the after-party. “The bar was packed, and I couldn’t find any of the girls,” Brennan says. “Bryan and I ended up sitting at a table by ourselves, talking until the last call.”
The next morning, they confirmed plans for their first date. She says they never paused, even though she lived in New York City and he lived in Boston.
For Brennan, meeting someone in such a natural way was a stark contrast to the experiences she had with online dating. “Before I met Bryan, I had admittedly been on pretty much every
Susan & Shawn
Haley & Bryan
The Planner POV
“Between the ambiance, the entertainment and the dance floor, there are plenty of opportunities for singles,” says Desireé Moore Dent, a Chicagobased wedding planner and founder of Dejanae Events. “Plus, guests are dressed up and feeling their best, which makes mingling and good first impressions a lot easier.”
Annie Lee, Daughter of Design chief planner and founder of PLANNIE, has witnessed several wedding meet-cutes.
“I always joke that people forget we’re there,” she says.
“Planners are like anthropologists. We observe and notice everything.”
One of her most memorable experiences was planning the nuptials for a couple who met at a prewedding event.
“They sat next to each other at the rehearsal dinner,” she says. “They read their original text messages [at their own wedding]. The bride said, ‘I sat next to a guy tonight at the rehearsal dinner, and he’s obsessed with me.’
The groom said, ‘I was obsessed with you.’”
dating app,” she says. “I was burnt out. I had some success here and there, and lots of stories to tell my girlfriends over drinks, but nothing lasting.”
Meeting someone at a wedding may seem like a novelty to app-weary singles, but it’s certainly not a new phenomenon. Susan and Shawn Albrecht met at a wedding on November 4, 2000. “Shawn and I were both young single parents,” Susan Albrecht says. “We had both recently separated [from our former partners] and were not looking for any type of relationship.” She didn’t intend to go to the nuptials, but a well-meaning friend essentially forced her to.
Although they attended the same high school, Susan and Shawn were formally introduced during the reception. “Shawn and I had both been so preoccupied with our commitment to our boys that the hope to find that forever kind of love had been buried under our responsibilities,” she says. “It was a risk for both of us to pursue the idea of a new relationship, but there is a certain magic at a wedding that is almost palpable.”
They were shocked to discover that he would be attending her sister’s wedding the following weekend. They saved
each other a dance there too, beginning their whirlwind love story. “We fell in love fast. We talked a lot on the phone in the beginning as we sorted out our lives and figured out how we would integrate our two little families together,” she says. “It was tough and messy, and the odds were not in our favor. But we loved each other, so we went for it.”
They got engaged the following year and welcomed their daughter not long after, turning their blended family into a party of five. Their wedding took place on June 1, 2002. To this day, they acknowledge how strange it was that they never met despite all of their connections. “Although the fates did not ever have us cross paths, I suppose that life brings us who we need, when we need them and when the time is right,” she says.
While the premise of meeting the love of your life at a wedding may sound like something that only happens in the movies, these stories prove why you shouldn’t doubt fate. No matter how slim the odds may seem, keep your heart open at the next wedding you attend. You never know who may be sitting next to you at the reception.
Savvy & Nate
REAL LOVE
Red-Hot Romance
A BELOVED WONG KAR-WAI FILM INSPIRED THIS COUPLE’S COLOR-DRENCHED CELEBRATION.
CHRISTINA & AJAY
Story by Sofa Deeb | Photography by Reigh Walker
There’s a moment every couple must go through before saying “I do.” A sort of initiation, if you will. And no, we’re not talking about meeting the parents, shopping for rings or even getting into your first argument. We’re talking about when loved ones break out your childhood photos and old yearbooks. We all look forward to the day we get to see our partner’s gap-toothed smile in a weathered photo album (and dread the day we’ll have to show our own), but few of us are actually in those photos smiling right alongside our partner.
Christina Qiu (28, a law student) and Ajay Somaraju (28, a data scientist) have a love story that’s one of those rare exceptions. In fact, it’s more like living proof of the invisible string theory. The two met as kindergartners in Plano, Texas. Their friendship flourished until they went their separate ways for college.
Here’s where the invisible string theory comes in. Christina and Ajay kept in contact through frequent phone calls, even as life led them to different states. But when things started to get, well, flirty, they thought it was time to reunite in person. While living and working in New York City, Christina decided to hop on a flight to East Lansing, Michigan, where Ajay was working on his doctorate degree.
It didn’t take long for their friendship to turn into something more. “Since we’ve known each other since childhood, we already knew so many things about each other
Setting the Mood
“We wanted our stationery to be evocative of the general theme, so we chose designs that featured dark colors and abstract floral motifs,” Christina says.
that other couples probably spend the first few months of dating learning about each other,” Christina explains. “Once we reunited in person, it was obvious to both of us that we were meant to be together forever.” They had their first official date during that meeting in East Lansing. “We went to Whole Foods and
picked up a lot of snacks and headed back to his apartment to watch the Fyre Festival documentary,” Christina recalls. Their engagement was a lot like that first date: low-key, intimate and, most importantly, unique to them. “We went out to a neighborhood spot for dinner, and when we
Red Alert
The couple used red in their flowers and decor “to reflect the various shades of red commonly used in Chinese weddings,” they explain.
got back home, I was hanging my coat up. When I turned around, Ajay was on his knee with the box. I didn’t even wait for him to ask before screaming, ‘YAAAAASSSSS.’”
Christina and Ajay may be from the same hometown, but their cultural backgrounds could not be more different. Christina’s family is Chinese while Ajay’s is Indian. Their goal was to plan a wedding that would honor their heritage and Texan roots at the same time. They entrusted Samiya Brasfield from SB Events Co. with the task of planning a multiethnic, multicultural and multi-day event. “We really relied on Samiya’s expertise to create an experience for us and our guests that truly reflected the coming together of our diverse families and cultures,” they explain.
Several months before their wedding, they held an intimate Hindu ceremony at Ajay’s parents’ home. For the decor, they chose vibrant tropical tones of magenta, orange, coral and yellow, along with many marigolds and fresh fruits. Christina wore
“
In different cities, as different people, we’ve met each other again and again. Each time felt like the first time.
a red-and-gold saree paired with matching jewelry and henna on her arms. Ajay wore a traditional white kurta set.
A few months later, the main wedding ceremony took place just outside of Fort Worth, Texas, not far from the Montessori school where they first met. As the venue, they chose Stoney Ridge Villa, which had a homey, welcoming vibe (unsurprisingly, since it was once the owner’s home).
One of Christina’s favorite movies, In the Mood for Love, inspired the wedding day decor. The film is known for its unique cinematography style featuring bold, saturated
Worlds Collide
“We tried to blend traditions as much as possible by choosing specific aspects of our respective cultures that were important to us,” the couple says.
colors, making red the natural choice for the event’s color scheme. (It also nodded to Chinese tradition.) For their ceremony, Christina and Ajay walked down a red-carpet-lined aisle to take their place at an altar surrounded by red flowers: orchids, anthurium and other bold blooms.
“We re-used a lot of the flowers from our ceremony at the reception,” the couple says. Red floral centerpieces and chinoiserie vases sat atop tables covered with black linens, creating a moody vibe reminiscent of the Wong Kar-wai film. The flowers that served as the backdrop for their ceremony surrounded their sweetheart table. To balance out the dark colors, the couple opted for robin’s-egg blue place settings. “For our reception, we also had bespoke elements such as a ‘memory wall,’ where we displayed family photos and other tchotchkes that represented our culture and personal histories,” they recall.
When it came to their attire, the couple sought a harmonious fusion of their Indian, Chinese and Texan backgrounds. “I had four outfit changes throughout the day, because I love dressing up, and I love clothes,” Christina shares. She started the day in a silk pajama set with a dramatic teal robe before changing into a Western-style white wedding dress: an off-the-shoulder A-line gown from Georgia Young. At the reception, she wore a colorful embroidered lehenga set from Aisha Rao. “Finally, for the dancing, I changed into a 1920s-inspired white dress paired with a birdcage veil,” she says. Ajay was no stranger to an outfit change either: He sported a custom navy blue suit for the ceremony and, later, a light teal sherwani suit his mother brought back from India.
Of all the memories Christina and Ajay made throughout their multi-day event, one
holds the most special place in their hearts: writing their own vows. Christina recalls a highlight from Ajay’s: “In different cities, as different people, we’ve met each other again and again. Each time felt like the first time.”
The couple and their loved ones spent the evening dancing, laughing and indulging in Asian fusion cuisine before bidding goodnight with a paper lantern farewell.
For the couple’s send-off, guests lined up outside the venue and lit the walkway using Chinese paper lanterns.
Quest Events; RaoFactor Catering Red Maple Catering Cake
Nhummy Cakes
Desserts
Churn and Bake
Bartending Finesse Parties, Rentals and Staff Music
DJ Prashant/Empire DJs
Transportation AJL International
Hotel Lodging
Kimpton Harper Hotel
Blooming Bicoastal Beauty
THIS REFINED GARDEN WEDDING IN OJAI, CALIFORNIA, WITH EAST COAST VIBES COULD’VE BEEN DIRECTED BY NANCY MEYERS.
CARRIE & SAM
Story by Cathryn Haight
Photography by Anya Kernes
Like many modern couples, Carrie You (34, an asset manager) and Sam Rhee (35, an investor) lived together before getting engaged, but not in the way you’d think. The pair met and became close friends while attending the same business school, and they were roommates in a six-person house during the second year. Their bond blossomed into romance a few years after graduation.
“We made it official at our mutual friends’ wedding—they were two of our four housemates,” says Carrie. (Big shout-out to this student residence with magical matchmaking powers.) The pair maintained a long-distance relationship between Sam’s life in San Francisco and Carrie’s in New York City. Carrie still worked East Coast hours when she visited, leading to some early mornings that Sam tried to make a little sweeter (and tastier): “Sam would wake up early every day to make me breakfast,” says Carrie. “He still makes his signature smoothie every morning for us.”
It was a collection of little moments like this that, over time, made Carrie realize she couldn’t imagine a future without Sam. And he clearly felt the same: Sam carried out a picturesque Saturday-morning proposal by the garden at Connecticut’s idyllic Mayflower Inn & Spa. One year later, on
April 19, 2025, the couple said “I do” in the presence of 105 loved ones at the Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California. Though their long-distance days are over, the pair paid homage to their bicoastal past through the setting and style of their celebration. Carrie and Sam now live in New York City, but Cali is where they first met and spent meaningful parts of their lives. “Refined garden reverie” was the vibe of the wedding weekend: a beautiful blend of clean lines, textural florals and charming traditional motifs.
Something Blue
Carrie’s blue-and-white welcome party dress by Zimmermann echoed the blue hydrangeas that filled the space.
“We wanted the entire weekend to be fresh, welcoming and seasonal,” says Carrie. “Our inspiration stemmed from the natural surroundings and our desire for an event that felt effortlessly elegant. We leaned into a style that felt timeless yet lively, with nods to the East Coast and California.”
The weekend began with a breezy and upscale welcome party that evoked a Nantucket beach house (the fluffy blue hydrangeas on every table were essential to the vision). Green fruits and veggies like
pea pods, pears and grapes filled pedestal bowls and cascaded onto the botanical-patterned tablecloths.
On the morning of their nuptials, the couple got coffees and took an early walk together around the property (just as they do most Saturdays at home) to ground themselves in the moment, reflect on their
mutual excitement and share a collective exhale before the wedding whirlwind. That afternoon, Sam walked to the altar with his parents beside him, while Carrie stepped beside her dad and met her mother at the aisle’s end. Trailing behind Carrie was her long, tulle “something borrowed”—a veil a bridesmaid lent her.
“Fun fact: That bridesmaid’s wedding was the one where Sam and I got together, and her husband was our officiant,” says Carrie. “Since their wedding, several of our friends have also worn that veil, so it houses a lot of love, memories and overall great energy.” Talk about full circle: Sam officiated the nuptials of this bridesmaid and her husband, who both lived in that magical business school house.
“It was great to have someone who has had a front-row seat to our relationship officiate,” says Carrie. “Sam and I were laughing and/or crying the whole time.”
Carrie’s bouquet, a classic lily-of-thevalley bundle, was delicate and composed, but the ceremony florals felt a little wild and deeply romantic, like a natural extension of the surrounding garden’s pastoral landscape. Lush yet feathery arrangements flanked the grass aisle, while an asymmetrical ground arch marked the path’s end under a stately oak. The goal was to have flowers that felt seasonal and natural, not overly structured or formal. Carrie says they were the stars of the show.
Returning the Favor
The couple’s officiant was a friend whose nuptials Sam officiated years before.
A ground arch (a half ring of flowers that appear to sprout from the ground) surrounded the trio at the altar.
“ Our inspiration stemmed from the natural surroundings and our desire for an event that felt effortlessly elegant. We leaned into a style that felt timeless yet lively, with nods to the East Coast and California.
“I love the symbolism of tying the knot under the old and steadfast tree,” she says. “We created a structural floral installation as the altar backdrop, blending varying shades of green with moments of blush and soft pink.”
The pair exchanged vows they wrote for each other, supported by Carrie’s four bridesmaids (donning spring greens and blues) and Sam’s seven groomsmen, before heading over to a lengthy, laid-back cocktail hour. The pair planned for extra time to sip prosecco and signature cocktails
(a specialty margarita and Aperol spritz) so they could actually hang out with their guests for a bit. After mixing and mingling, the group meandered toward the reception space: a vision of green and white perched on a lush lawn. Fronds of foliage hung from a greenhouse-like, clear-topped tent, along with modern lamps with white fabric shades that gave the space a residential feel and glowed when the sun set.
Ambient lighting played a huge role in creating an intimate space where attendees could cozy up as if at an elegant dinner party. Candles flickered in fluted-glass votives, and petite lamps with ruffled fabric shades illuminated the green-patterned china and botanical table linens. The couple repurposed the florals from the ceremony to give the reception area a sunken garden feel, and the centerpieces followed suit with an airy, organic design that focused on shades of green and tons of petal texture.
“Everything was designed to feel immersive but never overdone: refined, intentional and full of heart,” Carrie says. That included the speeches. “Our parents have both had long marriages, so hearing their wordsof wisdom was incredibly meaningful,” she adds.
Guests dined on dishes that reflected the California setting, like a kale salad topped with green grapes, avocado and beets, and a choice of local striped bass, short ribs or miso eggplant for the main course. Assorted
Natural Beauty
A clear-topped tent bedecked in greenery highlighted the pastoral venue, letting guests admire their surroundings from all angles.
desserts in lieu of cake followed. The couple stepped and swayed to “Love You for a Long Time” by Maggie Rogers, keeping the vibe romantic yet upbeat during their first dance. Then the full group was coaxed onto the dance floor with passed espresso martini shots and “mid-2000s to mid-2010s club hits,” not to mention the surprise saxophonist who appeared halfway through.
All and all, Carrie and Sam’s wedding was a celebration of not only love but friendship. Between the brotherhood of officiants, so to speak, and the “sisterhood of the traveling
veil” situation, the couple’s close connections were at the fore. But the pair’s deep friendship, the roots that made this day possible, were the heart and soul of the celebration.
“We left the reception to ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen,” says Carrie. “As cliché as it is, it truly was the best day to marry my best friend, surrounded by everyone we love.”
Wedding Date April 19, 2025
Ceremony + Reception Site Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, CA
Photography Anya Kernes
Videography
Sam Eng Films
Event Planning + Design
Michel B. Events
Floral Design Knot Just Flowers
Carrie’s Attire
Welcome party: Zimmermann; ceremony: Mark Ingram Collection; reception: Cult Gaia
BBJ La Tavola; Bella Vista Designs; Casa de Perrin; Town & Country
Event Rentals
Catering + Desserts
Ojai Valley Inn
Music Gavin Roy Presents
California Dreaming
The Golden State holds special significance for the couple: It’s where they first met while attending business school.
Virginia Is for Lovers
THIS COUPLE SHOWS HOW A SMALL WEDDING GUEST LIST ALLOWS FOR LUXURIOUS MICHELIN-STAR SERVICE.
SALVATORE & DANIEL
Story by Chapelle Johnson
Photography by Kenzi
Flinchum Photography
Salvatore DiPietro (32, a structural engineer) and Daniel Snipes (38, a data science manager) met online in 2018 and knew instantly that they had a strong bond. The couple’s growing connection resulted in a first date, which involved dinner, a drag show and dancing. What were their favorite moments from the night? “I had just moved to Virginia, and Daniel gave me a personal tour of Richmond. Exploring the city through his eyes made me feel instantly connected,” says Salvatore. Daniel adds, “We were sitting at dinner, and I remember being so enamored by Salvatore. I loved how he had so many interesting stories and opinions to share.” From then on, the two couldn’t get enough of one another.
On June 17, 2022, while on vacation in Los Angeles, Salvatore and Daniel proposed to one another in the most heartfelt and casual way. “It wasn’t a big production, more like a beautiful conversation that naturally turned into a life-changing moment. Once we realized what was unfolding, we headed
matching bespoke forest green suits with mother-of-pearl buttons. To add some individuality, they each picked out a silk tie that reflected their personal style.
Seeing Double Salvatore (left) and Daniel (right) wore
straight to Rodeo Drive to look at rings,” says Salvatore. After checking out a few stores, the two bought matching rose-gold faceted bands from Graff. “They were timeless, with just enough of a twist to make them feel uniquely ours,” he says.
Salvatore and Daniel had a three-year engagement, which ensured they got the location and wedding date they wanted. During that time, the couple hired their planner, Colleen Cook of CCS Events; picked their 106-year-old venue, The Branch Museum of Design in Richmond; and focused on all the small details in between. “We knew our wedding would be more than one day, so hiring a planner felt like the right choice to help keep everything on track. Plus, as a structural engineer with a deep love for historic
Architecture That Awes Completed in 1919, the Tudor Revival house, now a museum, was the perfect blank canvas for the couple’s modern and colorful botanical wedding.
architecture, I knew I wanted our wedding to take place somewhere with character and craftsmanship,” Salvatore says.
The couple wanted their event to stand out in bold and unexpected ways, leading them to have a “botanical avant-garde” theme for their May 3, 2025, wedding. Based on a mood board of what they call “sculptural, unconventional floral arrangements,” the celebration’s color palette consisted of
vibrant sunset hues for the ceremony and a mix of jewel tones for the reception—a full day-to-night experience for guests. To make their innovative theme come to life, Salvatore and Daniel put lots of thought into their flowers, stationery and menu.
During the ceremony, natural light flooded in through a leaded-glass bay window, and arrangements of yellow and orange poppies, butterfly ranunculus and snapdragons lined the aisle. At the altar, the same flowers sat on white pedestals beside limes, lemons, oranges and mangoes. This display framed the couple as they said “I do” in front of their 59
guests. In addition, neutral drapery, amber uplighting and live trees brought warmth to the intimate ceremony.
For the reception, located in a long gallery room, the color palette transitioned to a sultry and dramatic look. Greenery and dark purple and red peonies, anemones and scabiosa topped tables alongside artichokes, grapes and pears. “We paired the florals with deep red linens, which created a beautiful contrast against the white plates. Cream-colored tapered candles lined the table, adding a soft, warm glow that set the tone for the evening,” says Salvatore.
It was at the reception where the effort the couple put into the stationery really shined. For the escort-card display, they had custom hand-painted books with each guest’s name on the spine—a nod to the bar’s location in the old library. “Guests pulled their book from the shelf, and the table number was displayed as the volume number. It was a fun, interactive moment that tied beautifully into the venue’s character,” Salvatore notes. The menus also impressed guests. “Everyone received a personalized menu with their name on it, along with meal selections tailored to their dietary preferences,” says Salvatore.
The cuisine was as important as the menu design. One of the couple’s cutest traditions grew out of their love of food. On special occasions, Salvatore and Daniel treat themselves to Michelin-starred restaurants, which they say feels like going on a little adventure. “We keep the menus as sentimental keepsakes—they’re paper souvenirs of delicious memories,” says Salvatore. The duo’s foodie connection was a major aspect of their wedding and one reason why they wanted a small affair. “We love food and knew we
The menu was full of delicious dishes like Persian cucumber cups filled with fava-bean hummus and olive tapenade, and a beef entree accompanied by a potato doughnut and tricolor cauliflower.
wanted a reception focused on dinner. To execute the level of service we wanted, we had to have a smaller guest list,” he says. At the cocktail hour, held outdoors as a violin and cello duo played, the couple’s loved ones ate passed appetizers of polenta bites, duck-confit tacos, heirloom tomato tartlettes and much more. At dinner, guests enjoyed an elevated and personal five-course tast-
ing menu; sweet pea agnolotti and cassis mousse were two highlights.
During dinner, the design team transformed the ceremony room into a place to dance and celebrate. “We swapped the neutral drapes for deep red ones and shifted the uplighting to match, fully committing to a bold, color-drenched look. When guests returned to the space, they were wowed—it
Unique Bites
“ One morning, I simply woke up and realized that life just felt lighter, safer and more joyful with him in it, and I never wanted that feeling to go away.
really felt like stepping into an entirely new world,” says Salvatore. The couple graced the dance floor with a sentimental first dance to the song “Angel Baby” by Rosie & The Originals. “Daniel’s mom, who’s no longer with us, used to sing that song to him when he was a child. Dedicating our first dance to her felt like a meaningful way to include her in the day,” Salvatore says. Soon after, the tempo picked up and the reception turned into, as Salvatore describes it, a “full-blown G-A-Y dance party.”
Salvatore and Danielensuredevery aspect of their wedding was purposeful and had meaning: from a string duo playing “Adore You” by Harry Styles as the couple exited the ceremony to their ring-bearing nieces, who they “couldn’t imagine the day without,” as their only wedding party members. Reflecting on their nuptials, they say one of the most personal (and emotional) parts of the day was their vow exchange. Salvatore spoke about how Daniel helped him see the world in a different way, encouraged him
Unexpected Delights
The buttermilk spice cake had layers of passion-fruit curd and a honey buttercream frosting. “We went with a monochromatic white cake accented with delicate, abstract rice-paper flowers for an elegant, sculptural touch,” says Salvatore.
to question the rules and pushed him to be courageous while embracing uncertainty. “Daniel shared how before we met, his life was shaped by struggle and survival, and how our love brought light into places that had long been dark. He said I reminded him that life isn’t just about surviving, but about truly living with joy, hope and an open heart. It was a moment that captured the depth of our bond and the future we’re building together,” says Salvatore.
Zoe (left) donned a custom green suit inspired by Alessandro Michele–era Gucci. Dempsey (right) wore a puff-sleeve midi dress with a print resembling vintage French floral wallpaper.
Finding Love Down the Rabbit Hole
THIS PLAYFUL ENGAGEMENT PARTY TREATED GUESTS TO A WONDERLAND OF DELIGHTS.
ZOE & DEMPSEY
Story by Chapelle Johnson
Photography by Emily Klarer
Most people leave summer camp with unforgettable memories and a quirky T-shirt, but Zoe (31) and Dempsey (27) were lucky to have come home with much more: an enduring friendship that later bloomed into romance. The duo stayed in touch after meeting as teens and started dating in 2022.
Six months into their relationship, they bought engagement rings. Not long after, on a foggy and rainyday, Zoe and Dempsey went on a scenic walk through the rose garden at Washington Park in Portland, Oregon. They then ventured to Forest Park, where Zoe proposed to Dempsey below the towering trees, and the two started the rest of their
lives together. The couple began planning their wedding but were eager to celebrate with loved ones in some way well before the main event. They settled on a “whimsical wonderland fever dream”of a destination engagement party with bold fantasy and Alice in Wonderland elements. To make this vision come to life, they needed a venue (with an out-of-the-box vibe) that could fit 110 guests. Zoe’s father had previously taken the couple to Petit Ermitage hotel in West Hollywood, California—a visit that left a lasting impression. The couple call the hotel “charming and wonderfully strange,” which made the space, specifically the rooftop, more than ideal for their otherworldly affair.
Zoe and Dempsey needed a professional planner who understood their vision of a maximalist party. “We hired Jessica Carrillo of Art & Soul Events, and we were on the same page immediately,” says the couple. With hues of dusty rose, emerald, electric blue and pale lilac—and the help of talented vendors—Carrillo transformed the rooftop
into the site of a dreamy fairy-tale soiree.
On March 9, 2024, guests arrived to an enchanted engagement party full of oddities. With scabiosa, sweet peas, black dahlias and Moab roses, the lush floral installations adorned most of the space. Taxidermy from the couple’s personal collection and bespoke stationery further personalized the event. “A fox, a dik-dik, dried frogs, a wolf and a rodeo mouse were tucked into the floral scenes, creating moments of surprise throughout,” says Carrillo. To create a visual narrative, the couple commissioned a custom toile de Jouy print depicting motifs meaningful to them. Elements such as butterflies, modern tattoo designs, taxidermy, marijuana and Rococo accents creatively informed the quirky characters gracing the print (think: gentleman frogs and joint-rolling women with antlers). The artwork appeared on everything from napkins and menus to signage.
The entertainment and catering were as captivating as the decor. The couple’s pros made the most of every corner of the roof-
top’s six distinct areas. As soon as guests stepped off the elevator, a character actor dressed as a gentleman frog greeted and handed them a custom map that outlined the venue’s uniquely named spaces and schedule of events. In “The Gardens” room: a Caesar salad bar, a favorite dish of Zoe and Dempsey’s, and a grazing table with a singing actor in the center. There was a custom old-fashioned Zoltar machine that looked like the couple’s dog in the “Butterfly Bar.” In the “Wiggle Room” a sultry surprise awaited: an immersive femme fatale musical cabaret. Those looking for even more food, drinks and novelties could head to the cabana area and find an “eat me, drink me” bar and interactive cabinet of curiosities.
“The Firedeck” was home to the weed bar,
“ Don’t let anyone convince you to do or not do something. You only get to do this once, so don’t compromise for anyone besides your partner.
and the European pool space had a DJ spinning upbeat tunes as well as performances by fire dancers and a contortionist. No matter where guests turned, they were in for a treat, with custom flash tattoos for adventurous partygoers and a tintype photo booth for those who wanted a vintage keepsake. But even though Zoe and Dempsey adored every part of their prewedding celebration, it was the time spent with loved ones that made it extra memorable. “We really loved the last after-party hour, when only our closest group of friends and family remained. It was the perfect end to such a special, oncein-a-lifetime night,” the couple says.
Engagement Party Date
March 9, 2024
Engagement Party Site
Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood, CA
Photography Emily Klarer
Videography
Current Films
Event Planning + Design
Art & Soul Events
Floral Design
Dogwood & Fir
Stylist
Sophie Strauss Styling
Zoe’s Attire
Lynda Arnold
Dempsey’s Attire Selkie
Shoes
Zoe: Bottega Veneta; Dempsey: Stuart Weitzman
Accessories
Zoe: Roseark; Dempsey: Coach; Swarovski
Engagement Rings Marrow
Stationery
Cecile’s Paper Co.
Rentals
Found Rental Co.; Town & Country Event Rentals
Catering
Petite Ermitage; Urban Palate
Music
DJ AMARA; The Toledo Show
Characters + Acrobats
Unifer Entertainment
Photo Booth
Conrad Young Photography
Fortune-Telling Machine Zoltar
Magician
Roby Sobieski
Tattoo Artists
Aidan Monahan; Chong Tramontana
Weed Bar
WeedBar LA
Tent
Raj Tents
Lighting
Distinctive Event Solutions
A Pleasant Surprise
Guests received keys to a cabinet of curiosities. Once they unlocked it, a gloved hand emerged with a small trinket.
Confess Your (Wedding) Sins
CHECK OUT THESE SILLY-TO-OUTRAGEOUS WEDDING STORIES FROM REAL PEOPLE. YOU’LL BE SHOCKED BY WHAT THEY TOLD US.
My cousin got so drunk at his bachelor party the night before his wedding that his eyes were swollen and red at the ceremony. He told everybody it was allergies, but really he was hungover.
I saw a bride give her new hubby a lap dance while wasted and singing “Pour Some Sugar on Me” by Def Leppard.
I was at a friend’s wedding and the catering staff cleared my cake plate before I got to eat dessert. I knew the groom’s brother was going to be spending the rest of the night on the dance floor, so I stole his cake. I have no regrets!
By Chapelle Johnson | Illustrations by Natalie Romine
My mother-in-law wore white on our wedding day.
We’ll be leaving a parent off the guest list.
I slept with the bride’s brother at her wedding.
The groom smashed the cake in his bride’s face so hard she had to wash it off. It left her face so red.
Someone peed on the floor at my wedding and then went around telling people it wasn’t her.
I was a bridesmaid in a wedding where the MOH secretly invited the bride’s ex to the wedding. She told the bride the night before, and it didn’t go well.
A little boy went up to the bride at the reception and said, “I think there’s an animal in the bushes.” It was actually two wedding guests hooking up.
One of the groomsmen pooped his pants while jumping around dancing. Yes, his pants were white.
his pants while around dancing Yes, his were white
My bridesmaid made out with a groomsman— and he was married.
The groom was caught cheating on his new spouse with the maid of honor.
